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.
341 Articles
341 Articles
Saudi Arabia is shutting down the east-west oil pipeline that carried seven million barrels of oil a day. The pipeline has been repeatedly attacked by drones from Iraqi territory, but Iraq condemns the attacks, which are believed to be carried out by the Houthis. On Friday, Saudi crude oil supplies fell to their lowest levels in more than three decades, according to the International Energy Agency.
Saudi pipeline hit as Houthis seize key Red Sea island
Saudi Arabia has shut down its East-West pipeline after the vital oil conduit came under aerial attack in the widening Middle East war. The world’s largest crude oil exporter temporarily closed the pipeline, which runs from the Abqaiq oil field to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, after a drone attack that both Baghdad and Riyadh said had originated in Iraq, where Iranian-backed militias operate. Iraq dismissed a military commander on Saturday in resp…
Saudi Arabia oil pipeline shut down after drone attack launched from Iraq
Saudi Arabia shut down its crucial Eat-West pipeline after it was attacked on Thursday, threatening an important alternative route for crude exports from the Gulf. Iraq has chosen not to retaliate at this state, its foreign ministry said. Read about the day’s events as they unfolded on our liveblog.
The ministry reports several casualties. The attack took place from Iraq. Saudi Arabia is the second largest oil producer in the world after the USA.
Saudi Arabia is facing threats to both its east-west crude oil shipping routes due to drone attacks by Iranian-backed forces and the Houthi rebels' occupation of the strait. Although Saudi Arabia has requested military assistance from the United States, uncertainty in the global energy market is escalating to an extreme level as international oil prices continue to surge due to supply chain disruptions.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
