Author, News Department
Place of work, BBC Russian Service
Published 4 minutes ago
Reading time: 3 min
Saudi Arabia, after an attack by drones launched from Iraq, suspended the operation of one of the most important oil pipelines in the East-West region, which allows Riyadh to transport oil bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. Up to 5% of the world's oil volume passes through this pipeline.
The incident occurred against the backdrop of a large-scale offensive along the Red Sea coast by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis, who are seeking to take control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the second (after the Strait of Hormuz) key route for transporting oil from the Middle East.
The Iraqi authorities acknowledged the drone attack. According to them, the drones were launched from Maysan province, which borders Iran. One of the Iraqi military commanders who leads operations in the province has been removed from his post in connection with the drone attack. Baghdad said it was investigating the incident.
Saudi Arabian authorities said they were suspending the pipeline as a precaution. However, satellite images were published on Friday showing traces of a fire at a pumping station near Al Mesbaa. Thick smoke can also be seen in the area of another station near Al Dekra.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia reported that as a result of the attack there were casualties and damage was recorded, the scale of which is currently being assessed.
The ministry said that Riyadh does not yet intend to take any retaliatory action and will support Iraq's efforts to prevent similar attacks in the future.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia confirms that it reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and security, protect its facilities, and ensure the safety of its citizens and residents,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Alternative to the Strait of Hormuz
Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, has shifted its focus to the Red Sea (and Bab al-Mandeb) route after the US-Iran war effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil flows previously passed.
The 1,200 km East-West oil pipeline connects the Abqaiq oil field with the Red Sea port of Yanbu and is used as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz for transporting Saudi oil.
Between 4% and 5% of the world's oil is transported through the pipeline, according to Reuters, citing analysts and companies that track ship movements.
The Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes representatives from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait, also issued an official letter condemning the attack.
“This attack represents a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable threat to the security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its territorial integrity and its vital installations, and a flagrant violation of the principles of international law,” said council secretary-general Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
In a lightning offensive in Yemen this week, the Houthis seized control of much of the country's coastline.
According to Reuters sources in the Yemeni government, the Houthis on Friday, September 11, reached the island of Perim, an important strategic point from which they can control the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
The standoff between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis escalated in July after Riyadh struck a Houthi-controlled airport in Yemen's capital to prevent the landing of an Iranian plane carrying senior Houthi officials returning from the funeral of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
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