Saudi Arabia shuts key oil pipeline after Iraqi drone attack

Saudi Arabia has shut a key oil pipeline after it was attacked by drones launched from Iraq, as the widening Middle East conflict puts further pressure on regional energy infrastructure and shipping routes, the BBC reports.

The 1,200km East-West pipeline, which allows Saudi Arabia to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, was closed as a precaution on Friday after the attack, according to the BBC.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said the attack caused some injuries and damage, which was still being assessed.

Iraq, meanwhile, said it had removed a military commander from his post and launched an investigation after confirming that the drones were launched from Maysan governorate, a province bordering Iran, the BBC reported.

The Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office said the operations commander in Maysan had been removed following confirmation that the drone attack on Saudi Arabia originated from the region.

Saudi Arabia has not retaliated over the attack, with its Foreign Ministry saying the decision followed a call from Iraq’s prime minister.

The kingdom said it would “support the efforts of the Iraqi government” to “prevent attacks” launched from Iraq against neighbouring countries.

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“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia affirms that it reserves its right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and security, protect its facilities, and ensure the safety of its citizens and residents,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said.

The Gulf Cooperation Council, comprising the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait, also condemned the attack.

The pipeline has been carrying between four and five per cent of global oil supply, according to Reuters, which cited ship-tracking companies and analysts.

The attack comes amid an advance by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, who the BBC reported had seized control of much of the country’s coastline.

The Houthis have claimed control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a major gateway between the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, although the group said maritime navigation remained “safe for all companies except for Saudi vessels”.

The developments have increased pressure on shipping routes around the Arabian Peninsula and contributed to crude oil prices rising above $100 a barrel for the first time since July, according to the BBC.