Saudi Arabia has reported attacks by Iraqi drones on its East-West oil pipeline. The strikes caused injuries and damage in the Riyadh and Medina regions.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks in a statement. It said several drones came from Iraq and targeted the important pipeline route.
The East-West pipeline connects Abqaiq near the Gulf with Yanbu on the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia has increased its use since the Middle East war began.
The pipeline provides an alternative route for Saudi oil exports. It helps the kingdom reduce its reliance on the Strait of Hormuz.
The Saudi Energy Ministry said the pipeline was temporarily stopped after the attacks. The move was described as a precautionary measure.
An energy ministry official told the SPA news agency that some people were injured. The attacks also caused damage to the pipeline infrastructure.
Satellite images from Copernicus Sentinel Data showed black smoke near Medina. The smoke appeared along the general route of the East-West pipeline.
Iraq also confirmed that the attack originated from its territory. The office of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi issued a statement on social media.
The Iraqi government condemned the attacks against Saudi Arabia. It said the strikes came from a location inside Maysan governorate.
Iraq also announced action against a senior official following the incident. The commander responsible for Maysan province was dismissed.
The attacks have increased tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed groups in Iraq. Riyadh has previously accused Iraqi militias of targeting its energy facilities.
Saudi Arabia said it would not respond immediately to the latest incident. The decision followed a request from the Iraqi prime minister.
Riyadh said it wanted to support Iraqi efforts to prevent further attacks. It also warned that it retained the right to protect its territory and facilities.
The latest Iraqi drones incident has drawn regional condemnation. Bahrain, Jordan, and Qatar all condemned the attacks.
The Gulf Cooperation Council described the incident as a dangerous escalation. It also called the attacks an unacceptable threat to Saudi security.
The strikes come amid wider pressure on regional energy supplies. Oil prices have risen above $100 per barrel this week.
The situation also comes as Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels target Saudi-linked shipping. The Houthis announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia in July.
Saudi Arabia supports Yemen’s internationally recognised government. The Houthis have since attacked oil tankers in the Red Sea.
The group also strengthened its position around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The passage is an important shipping route between Europe and Asia.
The latest developments have raised concerns over regional energy security. Further attacks involving Iraqi drones could increase pressure on Saudi oil infrastructure.
Saudi authorities have not announced how long the pipeline suspension will last. Officials are continuing to assess the damage and security situation.
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