Saudi Arabia shuts key oil pipeline as Houthis seize strategic Red Sea island
Saudi Arabia has shut down its major East-West oil pipeline after it was attacked by drones, reportedly from Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. This incident, occurring amidst the widening Iran war and Houthi actions in the Red Sea, impacts a crucial energy corridor that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz. The pipeline carries 4-5 million barrels of oil daily, equivalent to 4-5% of global supply.
Why it matters
The attack on a critical Saudi oil pipeline threatens global energy supply and stability, potentially escalating regional conflicts and impacting international oil prices. It highlights the vulnerability of key energy infrastructure in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia has shut down its major East-West oil pipeline after it was attacked by drones, as the widening Iran war opened another front around one of the world’s most important energy corridors. The pipeline, which carries millions of barrels of crude across the Arabian Peninsula, was struck on Thursday in the Riyadh and Madinah regions, leaving several people injured and causing damage that is still being assessed.The Saudi Energy Ministry said Friday that the pipeline had been shut down as “a precautionary measure” after multiple attacks. The Saudi Foreign Ministry said the strikes were carried out by several drones coming from Iraq, where Iranian-backed militias operate, and that the attacks “caused human injuries and damage.”Saudi Arabia has so far held back from retaliation after Iraq’s prime minister asked Riyadh to give Baghdad time to take action against those responsible.
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