Saudi Arabia shuts East-West oil pipeline after drone attacks
Saudi Arabia pipeline shutdown follows drone attacks from Iraq and oil damage See how the strike hit exports, raised tensions, and pushed oil prices higher
Saudi Arabia said it shut down its EastWest crude oil pipeline on Friday after multiple drone attacks launched from Iraq. The government described the move as a precaution while crews assessed damage and secured the site.
According to the Saudi Energy Ministry, the drones struck the pipeline in the Riyadh and Medina regions on Thursday morning, causing fires and some damage. The ministry said several people were injured and that emergency teams were deployed to inspect the pipeline’s safety.
The EastWest pipeline is a major route for Saudi oil exports, helping the kingdom move crude to Red Sea terminals and reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. The attack came amid broader regional tensions that have pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel this week.