Saudi Arabia shuts major pipeline after drone strike from Iraq

Saudi Arabia temporarily halted operations on its East-West pipeline, a vital conduit for crude oil exports, after coming under drone attack. Satellite images provided visual confirmation of structural damage to the pipeline infrastructure, raising concerns about regional oil supply disruptions.

Officials in Riyadh said the unmanned aerial vehicle attack originated from Iraqi airspace, marking the latest in a series of incidents targeting the kingdom's energy infrastructure. The East-West pipeline serves as a crucial alternative export route for Saudi crude, particularly when the Strait of Hormuz faces potential disruptions.

The pipeline closure comes amid elevated tensions across the Middle East and heightened security concerns surrounding critical energy assets in the region. Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in pipeline redundancy to mitigate risks to its oil export capacity, one of the world's largest.

No immediate statement indicated when operations would resume. The shutdown underscores the vulnerability of regional energy infrastructure to aerial attacks and the potential impact on global oil markets should supply disruptions persist.