Saudi Arabian oil pipeline system hit by projectiles triggering fires
- On Thursday, projectiles struck a key Saudi East-West pipeline system, hitting pumping stations according to US officials, while Friday satellite imagery confirmed extensive fire damage.
- With Iran effectively shuttering the Strait of Hormuz, the pipeline became essential to the Kingdom, leading Saudi Arabia to reroute about 5 million barrels of oil daily toward its Red Sea port of Yanbu.
- Following Houthi attacks over the past 24 hours, US officials noted the strike involved drones originating from Iraq, and Behnam Ben Taleblu of the FDD noted Iranian-aligned militias have used drones previously.
- Oil prices surged past $100 a barrel this week following the incident, and Saudi Arabia recently reported to OPEC that crude production plunged to the lowest levels since 1990.
- Endangering the Red Sea export route, Houthi fighters have targeted shipping near Bab al-Mandeb, while US officials and experts suggest repairing pump stations may prove less burdensome than fixing major pipeline damage.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Saudi Arabian oil pipeline system hit by projectiles triggering fires
A key oil pipeline system in Saudi Arabia was struck by projectiles on Thursday, according to two US officials familiar with the matter.An early analysis found that pump stations, which are located next to the pipeline itself, were hit, one of the US officials said. A satellite image taken Friday appears to show extensive fire damage at one pumping station, and an image of a different pumping station, taken Thursday, showed a small fire sending up plumes of thick, black smoke.
Satellite imagery, as well as NASA FIRMS, showing the sites of the Earth's fires, have detected smoke and possible ignition in areas in Saudi Arabia where the East-West strategic pipeline is located, reporting "Anadolu" on Friday.
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The Independent
The Independent (US)Smoke seen near crucial Saudi oil pipeline as Houthi conflict escalates
Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline targeted by Houthis; satellite images show huge plume of smoke
The East-West Pipeline corridor, also called the Petroline, of Saudi Arabia was targeted by Houthi rebels of Yemen, with multiple satellite images confirming the strikes. However, Saudi Arabian authorities have not issued a statement so far.
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