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Reported Projectiles Strike Saudi East-West Oil Pipeline System
Reports say that parts of a major Saudi oil pipeline may have been attacked.
Two U.S. officials said projectiles hit pumping stations on Thursday.
Pictures taken by satellites showed fires and possible damage at some locations.
One official said drones launched from Iraq may have been involved.
However, nobody has officially confirmed who carried out the attack.
It is also unclear whether the pipeline itself was damaged.
Some of the nine reported fires may have been normal flare pits used in emergencies.
The pipeline is especially important because Saudi Arabia is sending about 5 million barrels of oil a day through it to Yanbu.
Oil prices rose above $100 per barrel as tensions in the region increased.
Two U.S. officials said projectiles struck pumping stations along Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline on Thursday.
Satellite imagery appeared to show extensive fire damage at one station and a smaller fire with black smoke at another.
One U.S. official said drones launched from Iraq were involved, but the attack’s perpetrator has not been confirmed.
Separate satellite analysis identified nine fires, although at least six appeared to be flare pits used during emergencies.
Saudi Arabia rerouted about 5 million barrels of oil per day through the pipeline to Yanbu after the Strait of Hormuz was effectively closed.
- Who
- Saudi oil infrastructure was reportedly targeted; two U.S. officials described the incident, while the attacker remains unidentified.
- What
- Projectiles reportedly struck pumping stations along the East-West oil pipeline, causing or coinciding with fires.
- Where
- At pumping stations along Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline, which carries oil to Yanbu on the Red Sea.
- When
- The reported strike occurred on Thursday, with satellite images reviewed on Thursday and Friday.
- Why
- The motive and perpetrator are unknown; the incident occurred amid the reported U.S.-Iran war and heightened risks to regional energy shipments.
Evidence of an Attack
Unresolved Attribution and Damage
Cause of the incident
Evidence of an Attack
Two U.S. officials said projectiles struck pumping stations, and one said drones launched from Iraq were involved.
Unresolved Attribution and Damage
The perpetrator has not been officially identified, and U.S. officials were still gathering intelligence about what happened.
Extent of damage
Evidence of an Attack
Satellite imagery appeared to show significant fire damage at one station and a smaller fire producing thick black smoke at another.
Unresolved Attribution and Damage
It was not known whether the pipeline itself was damaged or how long repairs would take; at least six of nine reported fires appeared to match flare pits.
Potential responsibility
Evidence of an Attack
An analyst said Iran-aligned militia groups in Iraq had previously conducted drone strikes against Saudi Arabia and may have been involved again.
Unresolved Attribution and Damage
The reports did not establish that an Iran-aligned group carried out this incident, and Saudi authorities, Aramco and U.S. agencies had not provided confirmation.
Key facts
- Pipeline
- Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline
- Reported target
- Pumping stations alongside the pipeline
- Reported timing
- Thursday; satellite imagery was reviewed on Thursday and Friday
- Reported fires
- Nine fires were identified near the pipeline, though at least six appeared to be flare pits
- Oil rerouted
- About 5 million barrels per day
- Destination
- Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, on the Red Sea
- Market impact
- Oil prices rose above $100 per barrel this week
Sources
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