Iraq scrambles to address fallout from alleged militia attack on Saudi oil pipeline
The Iraqi government is investigating an attack on a Saudi oil pipeline that originated from its territory, despite denials from local Iran-backed militias. The incident has heightened regional tensions and increased pressure on Iraq to disarm non-state groups.
Why it matters
The attack threatens global oil supply chains and risks further escalation in the ongoing conflict between regional powers.
Though an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias in Iraq denied their involvement, Iraq's government confirmed the attacks had originated from its territory. The government pledged to investigate and dismissed a military commander.
The country is under mounting pressure to prevent local militias from aiding other Iran proxy groups across the region. The Iraqi government has set a Sept. 30 deadline for non-state groups to disarm, but several of the most powerful militias have said they will not comply.
Pressure to disarm the militias is especially acute as the Iran-backed Houthi rebels make an advance across Yemen’s west coast in a major setback to the Saudi-backed coalition that risks escalating the war in the region. The Houthis on Friday seized an island in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key shipping lane through which about 12 per cent of global trade passes.
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