Saudi Arabia says East-West pipeline hit by drones launched from Iraq
Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut down its East-West oil pipeline following drone attacks originating from Iraq. While Saudi officials expressed condemnation, they have chosen not to retaliate immediately at the request of the Iraqi government.
Why it matters
Attacks on critical energy infrastructure in the Middle East can have significant impacts on global oil markets and regional geopolitical stability.
Iraq condemns the attack, dismisses a military commander who led operations in Maysan province.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Satellite image taken on September 11, 2026, shows a general view of an infrastructure site after it was damaged by fire southeast of Medina along the general route of Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline [Handout/ Planet Labs PBC via AFP] By Al Jazeera Staff and AFP Published On 11 Sep 2026 11 Sep 2026 Saudi Arabia has shut down its East-West oil pipeline after it was hit by drones launched from Iraq.
In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the pipeline was targeted in the Riyadh and Medina areas by “several drones originating from Iraq”, resulting in injuries and material damage.
It also said that while it expressed its “strongest condemnation,” it would not retaliate for now, following a request from Baghdad.
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