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Drone attacks on Saudi oil pipeline

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2026-09-13 05:38 UTC → 2026-09-13 09:28 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended operations on its strategic 1,200km East-West oil pipeline following drone attacks targeting pumping stations in the Riyadh and Medina regions. The Saudi Energy and Foreign Ministries confirmed the strikes ~~occurred on a Thursday morning, causing~~ caused material damage and human injuries. Authorities identified the drones as originating from Iraq’s Maysan province. In response, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi dismissed the Maysan Operations Command leader and the head of police, ordering an investigation into the incident. Iraqi authorities have seized a missile launch platform and drone launch sites in the province. To facilitate security reviews and prevent drone smuggling, Iraq has temporarily closed three border crossings with Iran—Shalamcheh, Al-Simm, and Al-Mandali—and suspended flights between Iraq and Iran at Basra International Airport. While some crossings remain closed, the Mehran crossing remains operational for travelers and commercial activity. Iraq has agreed to a request from Iran to conduct a joint investigation into the discovered launch platforms. Iraqi officials have emphasized a policy of ‘preventative sovereignty,’ asserting that the nation will not permit its territory to be used as a launchpad for attacks against neighbors. While Saudi Arabia has refrained from immediate military retaliation at the request of the Iraqi government, Riyadh has maintained its right to protect its sovereignty and energy security. Coordination with Saudi Arabia is ongoing to share intelligence and investigation results. The East-West pipeline is a vital global energy artery, carrying 4% to 5% of the world's oil supply and serving as a critical bypass for the Strait of Hormuz. The shutdown, occurring amid Houthi advances in Yemen and Red Sea tensions, has contributed to global oil prices rising above $100 per barrel.

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