Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline system was struck by projectiles on Thursday, with attacks hitting pumping stations and triggering fires, according to two United States officials familiar with the incident.
An initial assessment indicated that the pumping stations located alongside the pipeline were targeted. Satellite imagery reviewed by US officials showed extensive fire damage at one of the stations, while another image taken on Thursday captured a smaller blaze producing thick black smoke.
It remains unclear who carried out the attacks or whether the pipeline itself sustained damage. However, one US official said the strikes were carried out by drones originating from Iraq.
Authorities have also not determined how long repairs to the affected facilities could take.
The attacks come as Saudi Arabia faces growing threats to its oil infrastructure and export routes amid the ongoing Iran war.
The incident occurred just days after an Iranian-aligned militia seized a strategic port city in Yemen, raising further concerns about energy shipments through the region.
Oil prices have risen above $100 per barrel this week as developments across the Middle East fuel sharp market swings.
Saudi Arabia’s government and state-owned oil company, Aramco, did not respond to requests for comment, while the US State Department and White House also did not immediately comment.
US Central Command declined to comment.
Satellite imagery detected nine large fires near the East-West pipeline on Thursday, although at least six appeared to be flare pits, facilities where oil and gas can be burned during emergencies.
US officials said repairing damaged pumping stations could be easier than fixing significant damage to the pipeline itself.
The pipeline has become increasingly important since Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, forcing Saudi Arabia to reroute about five million barrels of oil daily toward the Red Sea port of Yanbu instead of waiting for tankers in the Persian Gulf.
However, the route could also face further risks after Houthi fighters warned they would target Saudi ships attempting to leave the Red Sea through Bab al-Mandeb.
The latest incident comes after Saudi Arabia reported to OPEC that its crude oil production fell sharply last month to its lowest level since 1990.
