Saudi Arabia says drones from Iraq attacked oil pipeline
Saudi Arabia said that several drones launched from Iraqi territory attacked the East-West oil pipeline in the Riyadh and Medina areas. According to Al Jazeera English, the Saudi Foreign Ministry reported casualties and material damage.
The ministry expressed its “strongest condemnation” of the attack. Riyadh also said it would not strike back for now at Baghdad’s request, in order to give Iraqi authorities time to take the necessary action. At the same time, Saudi Arabia reserved the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security and critical infrastructure.
Pipeline operations suspended
A spokesperson for Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry told the state SPA agency that pipeline operations were temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure. According to the spokesperson, people were injured in the attacks.
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Copernicus Sentinel satellite images taken on Thursday and released by AFP showed black smoke near Medina along the pipeline route. This pipeline transports Saudi oil to the Red Sea coast.
Iraq launches investigation
Iraq welcomed Saudi Arabia’s decision to refrain from responding and condemned the attack. Iraqi Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief spokesperson Sabah al-Numan said that the country’s territory and airspace would not be allowed to be used as a platform for aggression against other states.
According to him, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an investigation into the attack and the actions of those involved. Iraq also said it would not tolerate activities that endanger the country’s security or its relations with friendly states.
