Saudi Arabia shuts down east-west pipeline as a precaution after attacks

Saudi Arabia has shut down the important east-west pipeline, which can bring oil from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea bypassing the effectively blocked Strait of Hormuz, as a precautionary measure after attacks on the line in the Riyadh and Medina regions. This was announced by the state news agency SPA, citing a source in the Energy Ministry. Several people were injured in the attack on Thursday. The necessary measures have been taken to secure the pipeline, it said.

There was initially no information about possible damage or about the attacker. The US broadcaster CNN reported, citing information from US government officials, that the more than 1,200 kilometer long pipeline was attacked by drones that were said to have taken off from Iraq. The US command for the region, Centcom, declined to comment on the report when contacted.

The pipeline was reportedly attacked by Iran's allies from Iraq at the end of July. It has taken on even greater importance since the start of the Iran War. Saudi Arabia is diverting oil through the pipeline that would have been intended for waiting oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. Since the US and Israeli attacks on Iran and counterattacks began at the end of February, the passage of merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively blocked.

Report: US confirms attack on pipeline

According to an initial analysis, pumping stations located next to the pipeline were hit, CNN reported. According to CNN, satellite images show that fires may have occurred. It is unclear whether the pipeline was damaged.

With an output of around ten million barrels per day, Saudi Arabia is the second largest oil producer in the world after the USA.