Iraq closes Shalamche border crossing after attack on Saudi oil pipeline — The National
Iraq ordered the closure of the Shalamche border crossing on the border with Iran following drone attacks on Saudi Arabia. As The National reports, the decision was made as a precautionary measure, citing two Reuters security sources.
Operation to identify those involved
According to Reuters sources, Iraq has launched a large-scale security operation to identify those responsible for the attacks. Saudi Arabia said its East-West oil pipeline was attacked by drones launched from Iraqi territory.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi condemned the attack on the pipeline, saying that any aggression threatening Saudi Arabia’s security and stability was unacceptable. He also ordered an investigation and dismissed a military commander in connection with the incident.
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Pipeline shutdown
Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry said on September 11 that the East-West oil pipeline had been shut down as a precautionary measure after several attacks. The strikes in the Riyadh and Medina areas occurred on September 10; according to the ministry, they resulted in injuries.
The pipeline’s full capacity is approximately 7 million barrels per day. It connects oil production facilities in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province with the city of Yanbu on the western coast and enables oil exports through the country’s eastern and western coasts.
The Shalamche crossing is one of the main crossings between southern Iraq and Iran: it connects Basra province with Iran’s Khuzestan province.
