Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Saudi Pipeline Hit by Iraq-Launched Drones as Riyadh Waits
Saudi Arabia says drones flew from Iraq and hit an important oil pipeline.
The attack damaged the pipeline and injured some people.
Saudi Arabia stopped the pipeline temporarily to help keep it safe.
Iraq said the drones were launched from Maysan province.
Iraq fired the local operations commander and started an investigation.
No one has been officially identified as responsible for the attack.
Saudi Arabia agreed not to respond with force right away after Iraq’s prime minister asked for time to act.
The pipeline is important because it carries oil toward the Red Sea when shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted.
Saudi Arabia said several drones launched from Iraq struck its East-West oil pipeline, causing material damage and injuries.
The pipeline was shut as a precaution after attacks targeted sections in the Riyadh and Medina regions.
Iraq said the launch site was located in Maysan province, and Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi dismissed the province’s operations commander.
The attackers’ identities remained unclear, although several Iran-backed militias operate from Iraq and have previously been accused by Saudi Arabia of attacks on its oil facilities.
Saudi Arabia declined immediate retaliation at Iraq’s request but reserved the right to take measures to protect its sovereignty, security, facilities and people.
- Who
- Saudi Arabia reported the attack; Iraq’s government identified Maysan province as the launch location; the attackers were not identified.
- What
- Several drones struck Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, causing damage, injuries and a temporary shutdown.
- When
- The attacks were reported as occurring Thursday morning; another account describes the attack as taking place on Friday, with reports published September 12, 2026.
- Where
- The pipeline sections targeted were in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh and Medina regions, while the reported launch site was in Iraq’s Maysan province.
- Why
- Saudi Arabia shut the pipeline as a precaution and delayed retaliation at Iraq’s request while Baghdad investigated and sought to prevent further attacks from its territory.
Saudi Arabia and Gulf States
Iraq and Attribution Uncertainty
Responsibility for the attack
Saudi Arabia and Gulf States
Saudi Arabia said the drones came from Iraq, and the Gulf Cooperation Council called the incident a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable threat to Saudi security and vital installations.
Iraq and Attribution Uncertainty
Iraq confirmed that the launch site was in Maysan province but did not identify who carried out the attack; several Iran-backed militias operate from Iraq, leaving responsibility unresolved.
Immediate response
Saudi Arabia and Gulf States
Saudi Arabia chose not to retaliate immediately to give Iraq time to prevent further attacks, while retaining the right to protect its territory and facilities.
Iraq and Attribution Uncertainty
Iraq welcomed Saudi Arabia’s restraint and said it rejected aggression threatening Saudi security or damaging relations between the two countries.
Preventing future attacks
Saudi Arabia and Gulf States
The Gulf Cooperation Council urged Iraq to intensify efforts to prevent its territory from being used as a launchpad for attacks.
Iraq and Attribution Uncertainty
Iraq said it would take necessary measures to prevent attacks launched from its territory against Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries, while its ability to control Iran-backed militias has been questioned.
- Target
- Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline
- Reported launch site
- Maysan province in southern Iraq
- Pipeline length
- Approximately 1,200 kilometers
- Pipeline route
- From Abqaiq near the Gulf to Yanbu on the Red Sea
- Reported impact
- Material damage and injuries
- Immediate Saudi response
- Temporary pipeline closure and no immediate retaliation
- Iraqi response
- Investigation, dismissal of Maysan’s operations commander and reported closure of the Shalamcheh border crossing
- Strategic importance
- The pipeline provides an alternative route for moving oil when Strait of Hormuz shipping is disrupted
