Saudi Arabia has closed its 745-mile East-West oil pipeline after drone strikes, as regional tensions escalate near vital maritime chokepoints.
Key facts
- •The 745-mile East-West pipeline carries 4% to 5% of global oil supplies.
- •Investigations confirmed the drones used in the attack originated from Iraq.
- •An Iraqi military commander was dismissed following the investigation results.
- •Houthi rebels have seized the island of Perim and the port city of Mocha.
- •President Donald Trump stated that Iran was 'probably' behind the pipeline attack.
Saudi Arabia shuttered its 745-mile East-West pipeline on Friday following drone attacks that caused an unspecified number of injuries. The Saudi Energy Ministry confirmed the closure of the infrastructure, which serves as a critical bypass for the Strait of Hormuz. Investigations by the Iraqi government determined the drones originated from Iraq, leading to the dismissal of an Iraqi military commander.
By the numbers
Regional Impact and Security
The East-West pipeline is responsible for transporting between 4% and 5% of global oil supplies. Following the attack, Iraq closed two border crossings with Iran. While Saudi Arabia stated it would not retaliate immediately at the request of the Iraqi prime minister, the Saudi Foreign Ministry emphasized that the kingdom reserves the right to protect its sovereignty and critical facilities.
Escalating Tensions in Yemen
The pipeline incident coincides with intensified activity by Houthi rebels in Yemen near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Houthi forces have reportedly captured the island of Perim and the port city of Mocha, while also advancing on the town of Dhubab. These developments have drawn concern from regional allies, with Kuwait describing the pipeline attack as a dangerous escalation.
Timeline
- FridaySaudi Arabia confirmed the shutdown of the East-West pipeline following drone attacks.
- SaturdayAn Iraqi military commander was dismissed after investigations linked the drone attacks to Iraq.
- SaturdayIraq closed two key border crossings with Iran.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by NBC News World, France 24.
