Saudi Arabia shuts key oil pipeline after Iraqi drone attack

Saudi Arabia has shut down a crucial oil pipeline following a drone attack originating from Iraq, according to the BBC. The 1,200km pipeline, which enables Saudi Arabia to circumvent the Strait of Hormuz, was closed as a precautionary measure following the incident on Friday. The Saudi Foreign Ministry reported that the attack resulted in injuries and damage, though the extent of the harm was still being assessed.

Iraq, on the other hand, stated that they had removed a military commander from his position and initiated an investigation into the incident, confirming that the drones were launched from the Maysan governorate, a province that neighbors Iran. Iraq's Prime Minister's Office announced that the operations commander in Maysan had been relieved of his duties due to the confirmation of the attack's origin.

Saudi Arabia has refrained from retaliating against the attack, instead expressing their support for Iraq's efforts to prevent similar attacks from Iraqi forces. The Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait, also condemned the attack. The pipeline, which transports between four and five percent of global oil supply, has been a significant contributor to the energy infrastructure of the region.

The attack has added to the pressure on shipping routes surrounding the Arabian Peninsula and contributed to crude oil prices surpassing $100 a barrel for the first time since July.