Saudi Arabia shuts key oil pipeline after drone attack launched from Iraq
Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut down a major oil pipeline following a drone attack originating from Iraq. The incident occurs amidst rising regional tensions and ongoing conflict involving Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Why it matters
Disruptions to critical energy infrastructure in the Middle East have the potential to impact global oil prices and exacerbate geopolitical instability.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Tiffanie Turnbull How Houthi gains in Yemen could drive up oil prices Saudi Arabia has closed a critical oil pipeline after it was attacked by drones launched from Iraq, as conflict in the Middle East widens.
Iraq said it had fired a military commander and launched an investigation after admitting the drone attack on its neighbour's East-West pipeline had originated in one of its provinces bordering Iran. Saudi Arabia has previously accused Iran-backed militia in Iraq of targeting its oil facilities.
The 1,200km (745 mile) pipeline has helped Saudi Arabia - the world's largest crude oil exporter - bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
The incident comes amid a major advance by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, putting more pressure on global oil shipping routes as the US-Iran war stretches into its seventh month.
Also covering this story
18 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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Oil routes in peril as attacks shut Saudi pipeline and Houthis threaten key waterway - The Washington Post
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