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Last Update: 09/15/2026 at 6:33 PM EST
Drones Threaten Saudi Oil Bypass
Coverage from INQUIRER.net, Al Jazeera, and others
What's Going On
Drones reportedly launched from Iraq struck Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline near Riyadh and Medina, causing injuries, fires, and material damage before Saudi Arabia temporarily halted operations.
The pipeline carries crude from Persian Gulf fields to Yanbu on the Red Sea, making it an important alternative route when Gulf and Red Sea shipping face disruption. Iraq ordered an investigation and sought to prevent retaliation, while related Houthi activity has added pressure on Saudi energy infrastructure and regional maritime routes.
History
The current version more clearly establishes the East-West pipeline’s strategic importance, including its capacity and role as an alternative to Gulf shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. It also adds Iraq’s explicit rejection of using its territory or airspace for attacks, reinforcing the diplomatic dimension.
Additional Articles
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Saudi Arabia said drones launched from Iraq damaged and temporarily shut the East-West pipeline near Riyadh and Medina on Thursday morning.
Saudi Arabia said drones launched from Iraq damaged the East-West oil pipeline near Riyadh and Medina, causing injuries and prompting a temporary shutdown.
Saudi Arabia said Friday that drones launched from Iraq attacked the East-West oil pipeline near Riyadh and Medina, causing injuries and material damage.
Houthi forces claimed a drone attack on Sharurah military base in southern Saudi Arabia on Sunday, after long-range drones launched from Iraq struck an oil pipeline near Riyadh and Medina.
Saudi Arabia shut its East-West oil pipeline near Medina after a drone launched from Iraq caused a fire, injuries, and material damage.
Saudi Arabia shut the East-West crude oil pipeline on Friday after Iraq-launched drones damaged facilities in the Riyadh and Medina regions on Thursday.
Ansar Allah launched drones and missiles against Saudi energy and military sites in southwestern Saudi Arabia on Tuesday after renewed Saudi airstrikes in Yemen.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi dismissed a military commander after a drone launched from Maysan targeted Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline, leading to a temporary shutdown and border closure.
Saudi Arabia said Iraq-launched drones attacked the East-West oil pipeline near Medina on September 11, 2026, while Riyadh delayed retaliation after an Iraqi request.
Saudi Arabia closed its East-West oil pipeline on Friday after drones from Iraq caused injuries and damage at the facility, amid escalating conflict affecting Red Sea shipping.
Iran-backed Iraqi militias reportedly struck Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline with drones, potentially disrupting the kingdom's Red Sea crude-export route amid constrained Strait of Hormuz traffic.
Saudi Arabia shut the East-West pipeline after drones from Iraq attacked Saudi infrastructure amid Houthi gains near Yemen's Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Iraq closed the Shalamcheh crossing with Iran on September 12 after Saudi Arabia reported drones launched from Iraq attacked its East-West pipeline.
Houthi forces attacked four southern Saudi cities with drones and missiles on Tuesday, injuring 73 people and setting oil facilities ablaze.
Saudi Arabia said drones launched from Iraq or Iran attacked the East-West oil pipeline in Riyadh and Medina, temporarily halting operations and injuring several people.
Houthi forces reportedly seized Mokha and launched drones and missiles at southern Saudi Arabia, injuring 73 civilians and disrupting oil facilities during escalating Yemen conflict.
Yemen's Houthi movement reportedly seized Mokha and launched drones and missiles at southern Saudi Arabia, damaging oil facilities and threatening the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Saudi Arabia said drones launched from Iraq damaged the East-West oil pipeline near Riyadh and Medina, prompting a temporary shutdown and no immediate retaliation.
Houthi forces targeted Mokha port in western Yemen with drones and ballistic missiles, causing reported casualties and infrastructure damage near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Houthi forces have attacked Saudi cities and energy facilities with drones and missiles during renewed Yemen fighting, increasing risks to Saudi security and Red Sea shipping.
Ansar Allah announced Tuesday that Yemeni forces targeted a sensitive site at Najran Airport in southern Saudi Arabia with a drone amid renewed fighting.