Saudi Arabia temporarily shut down its strategic East-West oil pipeline after attacks caused injuries, as regional tensions and concerns over energy security continue to rise.

Saudi Arabia's Energy Ministry announced that the East-West oil pipeline was temporarily closed as a precaution following a series of attacks targeting the facility.

According to a statement shared by the ministry and reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), sections of the pipeline in the Riyadh and Medina regions were targeted on September 10, causing injuries. Emergency response teams and specialized technical units were deployed to secure the pipeline and assess the situation.

Pipeline closed as security measure

The ministry said the decision to halt operations was taken as a precautionary measure while authorities work to ensure the safety of the facility.

Saudi authorities have not announced when the pipeline will resume operations or provided details on the extent of the damage.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry later said drones launched from Iraq targeted the pipeline, adding that Riyadh would not take retaliatory action at this stage following a request from the Iraqi prime minister, while reserving its right to take necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and critical infrastructure.

Ensarullah tensions and regional escalation

The attack came amid escalating tensions in the region and increased threats against Saudi energy infrastructure.

Yemen's Ansarullah movement has previously announced attacks targeting Saudi territory and energy facilities, while regional tensions have intensified following disruptions to major shipping routes and energy supplies.

Strategic route bypassing Strait of Hormuz

The East-West pipeline, also known as the Petroline, is one of Saudi Arabia's most important energy infrastructure projects.

The pipeline transports crude oil from Saudi Arabia's eastern oil-producing areas to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, allowing exports to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route affected by regional tensions.

The closure of the pipeline has raised concerns over global energy markets, as any disruption to alternative export routes could increase pressure on oil supplies.(ILKHA)