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Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy announced on Friday that the crucial East-West oil pipeline has been shut down as a precautionary measure following multiple attacks. The attacks, which occurred in the Riyadh and Madinah regions on Thursday, resulted in several injuries, according to a statement released by the ministry on X. The pipeline, capable of pumping approximately seven million barrels of oil per day, plays a critical role in connecting oil production facilities in the Eastern Province with Yanbu on the west coast, providing flexibility for exports from Saudi Arabia's east and west coasts.

The extent of the damage to the pipeline remains unclear, with the ministry stating that specialized technical teams are working to secure the pipeline and assess its safety. It is also unknown who is responsible for the strikes. The decision to shut down the pipeline follows a series of attacks by Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi rebels, who are engaged in a conflict that has intensified amid the US-Iran war.

The Houthi rebels have gained control over Yemen's western coast and several strategic islands, restricting the Bab Al Mandeb strait. Satellite data on Thursday revealed unusual activity along the pipeline, including large fires and black smoke plumes detected by NASA's Firms satellite system. The attacks on the pipeline highlight the increasing threat to Saudi Arabia's oil resources and exports due to the escalating regional conflict.

The closure of the pipeline, coupled with ongoing Houthi activities, may significantly impact oil prices, as Brent crude climbed back towards $105 per barrel following its earlier peak.