The East-West oil pipeline was shut as a precaution after drone attacks in the Riyadh and Medina regions. Saudi Arabia says the aircraft came from Iraq and is withholding retaliation at Baghdad's request. Iraq dismissed the operations commander in Maysan and ordered an investigation. No timetable for reopening the pipeline has been announced in the reports.
Saudi Arabia stopped its East-West pipeline, which carries crude toward the Red Sea coast, as a precaution after drone attacks. An energy ministry official reported the shutdown to the state news agency. The foreign ministry said aircraft arriving from Iraq hit the Riyadh and Medina regions, causing injuries and material damage. That statement did not establish which group operated the drones.[1], [2]
Riyadh said it would withhold retaliation at this stage so Iraq could act against attacks launched from its territory. It attributed that decision to a request from Iraq's prime minister, while reserving the right to protect Saudi facilities and security. Iraq condemned the attack and welcomed the delay in retaliation. The statements describe the governments' immediate contact following the incident.[1]
Iraq's prime minister's office said initial investigations placed the launch location in the southern province of Maysan. The operations commander was dismissed, and Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an investigative council into the Maysan Operations Command. The East-West route carries crude toward the Red Sea for export. The reports give no reopening timetable and describe the shutdown as a precaution following the attack.[1]
