1 hr ago
Saudi Arabia Says Iraqi Drones Hit Pipeline, Delays Retaliation
Saudi Arabia says drones came from Iraq and hit an important oil pipeline.
The attack damaged the pipeline and injured some people.
Saudi officials stopped the pipeline temporarily to keep it safe.
The pipeline carries oil from near the Gulf to the Red Sea.
Saudi Arabia is using this route more because ships cannot use the Strait of Hormuz normally.
Iraq’s prime minister asked Saudi Arabia not to respond with force right away.
Saudi Arabia agreed to wait and support Iraq’s efforts to stop more attacks.
However, Saudi Arabia said it could still act later to protect itself.
Saudi Arabia said several drones launched from Iraq struck its East-West oil pipeline on Thursday morning.
The attack damaged the pipeline, injured several people and led to a precautionary shutdown.
The affected pipeline runs from Abqaiq near the Gulf to Yanbu on the Red Sea.
Riyadh declined immediate retaliation after a request from Iraq’s prime minister.
Saudi Arabia warned it reserved the right to take necessary measures to protect its security and facilities.
- Who
- Saudi Arabia reported the attack and said the drones came from Iraq; Iraq’s prime minister requested that Riyadh delay retaliation.
- What
- Several drones allegedly struck Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, causing damage, injuries and a precautionary shutdown.
- Where
- The reported strikes targeted pipeline sections in the Riyadh and Medina regions of Saudi Arabia.
- When
- The attacks took place Thursday morning; Saudi Arabia announced its response on Friday, September 12, 2026.
- Why
- The pipeline was shut as a precaution, while Saudi Arabia delayed retaliation to support Iraq’s efforts to prevent further attacks from its territory.
Key facts
- Reported attacker origin
- Iraq
- Target
- Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline
- Reported impact
- Damage, injuries and a precautionary shutdown
- Pipeline route
- From Abqaiq near the Gulf to Yanbu on the Red Sea
- Saudi response
- Immediate retaliation was postponed after a request from Iraq’s prime minister
- Saudi warning
- Riyadh said it reserved the right to take necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, facilities and people
- Regional context
- The report links the incident to wider pressure on energy and shipping routes, including disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz
Quotes
Saudi Foreign Ministry
Saudi government ministry that announced Riyadh’s decision to defer retaliation
“At the request of the Iraqi prime minister… [Riyadh] has chosen not to respond at this stage”
news18.com
Sources
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