Saudi Arabia has closed a critical oil pipeline after it was attacked by drones launched from Iraq, as the conflict in the Middle East widens, the BBC reported.
Saudi Arabia has previously accused Iran-backed militias in Iraq of targeting its oil facilities.
The 1,200-km (745-mile) East-West pipeline allows Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest crude oil exporter, to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
The incident comes amid a major advance by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, putting further pressure on global oil shipping routes as the US-Iran war enters its seventh month.
On Friday, Yemen’s Saudi-backed government forces said they had struck Houthi fighters in the strategic coastal city of Mokha, a day after the Houthis seized control of the entire Red Sea coast.
Saudi Arabia said on Friday it had shut the pipeline as a precaution, as satellite images showing scorched ground and smoke near the site emerged.
The Saudi foreign ministry said the attack caused some injuries and damage, which was still being assessed.
The pipeline has been carrying between 4% and 5% of global oil supply, Reuters reported, citing ship-tracking companies and analysts.
Saudi Arabia has decided not to retaliate for now, its foreign ministry said, following a call from Iraq’s prime minister.
The ministry said the kingdom would “support the efforts of the Iraqi government” to “prevent attacks” launched from Iraq against neighbouring states.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia affirms that it reserves its right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and security, protect its facilities, and ensure the safety of its citizens and residents,” the statement said.
The Iraqi prime minister’s office said the operations commander in Maysan governorate, a province bordering Iran, had been removed from his post after it was confirmed that the drone attack had been launched from the region.
Saudi Arabia has previously carried out strikes alongside the United States against Iran-backed militias in Iraq after accusing the groups of launching drones from Iraqi territory at oil facilities.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which comprises Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait, also condemned 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, as well as a flagrant violation of the principles of international law,” GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said.
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