Saudi Arabia says East-West pipeline hit by drones launched from Iraq

September 12, 2026 at 02:30 AM2 min

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Saudi Arabia said its East-West oil pipeline was hit by drones launched from Iraq, causing injuries and material damage. Iraq condemned the attack and Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an investigation. Riyadh said it would not retaliate for now following a request from Baghdad.

Key Facts

The East-West pipeline was targeted in the Riyadh and Medina areas by several drones originating from Iraq, resulting in injuries and material damage.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy said the pipeline was temporarily shut as a precaution.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi directed the opening of an investigation into the attack and those responsible.
Satellite images from Copernicus Sentinel data taken on Thursday showed black smoke billowing near Medina along the East-West pipeline route.
Yemen's Houthis seized control of the entire Red Sea coast and captured three strategic islands on Friday.

The Attack

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Friday that the East-West oil pipeline was targeted in the Riyadh and Medina areas by several drones originating from Iraq. The attack resulted in injuries and material damage, according to the statement. An official from Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy told the state news agency SPA that the pipeline was stopped as a precaution. Satellite images from Copernicus Sentinel data taken on Thursday showed black smoke billowing near Medina along the East-West pipeline route that carries Saudi oil to its Red Sea coast.

Saudi Response

Saudi Arabia expressed its strongest condemnation of the attack and said it would not retaliate for now following a request from Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. The Kingdom said it chose not to respond at this stage to allow the Iraqi government the opportunity to take necessary measures to prevent attacks launched from Iraqi territory. Riyadh reserved the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security and critical facilities.

Iraqi Investigation

Iraq condemned the attack and affirmed its rejection of any aggression that threatens the Kingdom's security and stability. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi directed the opening of an investigation into the attack and those responsible. Iraq reiterated that its territory and airspace will not be used as a launching pad for aggression against any country. Iraq welcomed Saudi Arabia's decision to hold off on retaliation and said it appreciates Riyadh's response to its efforts to contain the situation.