Iraq Confirms Saudi Oil Pipeline Attack Launched From Its Territory

The Iraqi government confirmed on Saturday that drone attacks targeting a key Saudi Arabian oil pipeline were launched from Iraqi territory. Saudi authorities traced the launch site to Maysan province in southeastern Iraq, a region near the Iranian border where Iran aligned militias have long operated. In response, Iraqi security forces seized a drone launching platform and the government dismissed the military commander and police chief of Maysan province. Iraq also temporarily closed several border crossings with Iran for security inspections.

Saudi Arabia shut down the East West pipeline as a precautionary measure. The pipeline carries approximately 4 to 5 percent of the global oil supply and allows the kingdom to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi officials stated that several people were injured when drones struck the pipeline in the Riyadh and Medina regions. Despite the attack, Riyadh announced it would not retaliate at this time to allow Baghdad to take necessary measures.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. The Popular Mobilization Forces, an alliance of Iran backed Iraqi militias, denied involvement. However, US President Donald Trump stated that Iran was probably responsible. The attack occurs amid broader regional instability, including a Houthi offensive that captured the city of Mokha and the island of Perim, solidifying their hold on the Bab el Mandeb strait.

Iraq is currently under pressure from Washington to disarm Iran aligned Shiite armed groups by a September 30 deadline. This deadline coincides with the scheduled withdrawal of remaining US led coalition forces from Iraq. Some influential militias, such as Kataib Hezbollah, have criticized the disarmament plan and demanded guarantees that US influence will be removed from Iraqi political and economic decision making.