13 hrs ago
Iraq Says Saudi Pipeline Attacks Came From Its Territory
Iraq said drones attacking an important Saudi oil pipeline were launched from its territory.
Saudi Arabia also blamed drones from Iraq, but Donald Trump said Iran was probably responsible.
Iraq dismissed a local commander and ordered an investigation.
In Yemen, fighting has forced at least 76,000 people to leave their homes since July.
Many displaced people are staying with families in Aden.
Lebanon and Israel plan to hold more talks with help from the United States.
An oil spill in the Gulf of Oman grew larger and threatened protected areas in Oman and Iran.
Israeli forces wounded a Palestinian man in the West Bank, while Syria reported worsening fuel problems.
Iraq said attacks on Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline were launched from Maysan province and dismissed the local operations commander.
Saudi Arabia blamed drones from Iraq, while Donald Trump said Iran was probably behind the attack that closed the pipeline.
At least 76,000 people have fled fighting in Yemen since July as Houthi forces advance against government troops.
Lebanese and Israeli negotiators are scheduled to meet in Rome in October for United States-brokered talks.
An expanding Gulf of Oman oil spill threatened protected areas, while a West Bank shooting and Syria’s fuel crisis added to regional concerns.
- Who
- The governments of Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Donald Trump, Houthi and Yemeni government forces, Lebanese and Israeli negotiators, and other regional officials.
- What
- The developments include a disputed attack on a Saudi oil pipeline, displacement in Yemen, planned Lebanon-Israel talks, an expanding oil spill, a West Bank shooting, and Syria’s reported fuel crisis.
- Where
- The events involve Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Lebanon, Israel, the Gulf of Oman, Oman, Iran, Syria, Washington, Rome, and New Delhi.
- When
- At least 76,000 people have fled Yemen since July; Lebanon-Israel talks are planned for October; the oil spill doubled between Wednesday and Thursday; the West Bank incident and Syria’s fuel statement were reported on Saturday.
- Why
- Iraq said the pipeline attack originated in Maysan province; people are fleeing escalating Yemen fighting; Lebanon and Israel are seeking to address ongoing tensions; and regional conflict is linked in the reports to environmental and fuel concerns.
Regional Accounts
Alternative Accounts
Responsibility for the pipeline attack
Regional Accounts
Iraq determined that the attacks originated in Maysan province, and Saudi Arabia said drones came from Iraq; Iraq began an investigation and Saudi Arabia said it would not retaliate immediately.
Alternative Accounts
Donald Trump said Iran was probably behind the attack, while regional officials told The Associated Press that Houthi forces and Iraqi militias had recently coordinated attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
West Bank shooting
Regional Accounts
A Palestinian resident said Israeli settlers arrived with sheep and that soldiers then fired toward Palestinians; video appeared to show at least 14 shots as a wounded man was moved.
Alternative Accounts
Israel’s military confirmed the video was authentic and that its forces fired toward Palestinians, wounding one man, but said commanders would review the incident.
Houthi activity and shipping
Regional Accounts
The Houthis said they were targeting shipping connected to neighbouring Saudi Arabia, and Donald Trump said they had indicated they did not want United States involvement.
Alternative Accounts
The Houthi advance has intensified fighting with Yemen’s government forces, displaced tens of thousands of people, and threatened routes near the Bab el-Mandeb.
Key facts
- Pipeline
- Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline, which carries oil to a Red Sea port
- Iraqi response
- Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an investigation and dismissed the Maysan operations commander
- Competing attribution
- Iraq and Saudi Arabia cited launches from Iraq, while Donald Trump said Iran was probably behind the attack
- Yemen displacement
- The International Organization for Migration reported at least 76,000 people had fled since July, up from 46,000 days earlier
- Planned talks
- Lebanese and Israeli negotiators are scheduled to meet in Rome in October
- Oil spill
- Visible pollution covered about 400 square kilometres and stretched nearly 70 kilometres on Thursday
- Protected areas
- The spill threatened protected areas off Oman and Iran, including mangrove forests and a seabird-breeding island
Quotes
Saudi Foreign Ministry
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry, referring to the Iraqi government’s response
“We set out in hysterical panic on a motorcycle, not knowing where we were heading. The roads suddenly became extremely congested, and while I was driving, the motorcycle overturned. My wife, my children and I were all injured.”
deccanchronicle.com
thehansindia.com
“The Houthis called us, and they don't want to fight with us. They would much prefer not having us involved, and they're letting most ships go through.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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