**Drone-Hit Saudi Oil Pipeline to Remain Non-Operational for Weeks**
A crucial oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia, known as the East-West Pipeline, is expected to be out of service for up to five weeks following a drone strike attributed to Iraqi militias. The attack occurred last Thursday in the Riyadh and Medina regions, prompting Saudi authorities to shut down the pipeline to assess and repair the damage.
According to reports from the Associated Press, the East-West Pipeline spans approximately 1,200 kilometers and transports oil toward the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea. While the pipeline will remain mostly non-operational during the repair period, one official indicated that certain parts of the infrastructure might still function, although the extent of oil flow during this time is unclear.
The drone strike has had immediate repercussions on the global oil market, with benchmark Brent crude prices surging by over 3% on Monday, reaching $109 per barrel. This spike reflects concerns about supply disruptions stemming from the attack on one of the world's most significant oil transport routes.
Saudi Arabia has attributed the drone strike to Iranian-backed militias operating from Iraqi territory. The Iraqi government has confirmed that the drones originated from its soil and condemned the attack. This incident is part of a broader context of escalating tensions in the region, particularly involving the Houthis, a Yemeni group that has been engaged in a protracted conflict with Saudi Arabia.
In recent developments, the Houthis have made significant territorial gains along the Yemeni Red Sea coast, capturing strategic ports such as Mocha and Dhubab, as well as key islands at the entrance to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. This strait is a vital shipping chokepoint for global trade, and the Houthis' control over it raises concerns for maritime security and oil transport.
On the same day as the drone strike on the pipeline, the Houthis claimed to have launched numerous missiles and drones targeting the King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait, a city in southern Saudi Arabia. Houthi military spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree stated that the attack was precise and resulted in significant damage to military infrastructure, including aircraft hangars and radar systems. He characterized the strike as a response to the Saudi regime's recent military actions, which included over 300 airstrikes in the preceding five days.
In response to the escalating conflict, Saudi military spokesperson Major General Turki al-Malki reported that 13 civilians were injured during the Houthi attack on the airbase, although he did not confirm the extent of the damage to the military facility.
Amid these tensions, Saudi Arabia has sought military assistance from the UK to help counter the Houthi advances in Yemen and protect its oil infrastructure. Reports indicate that UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has agreed to send military advisers to Saudi Arabia but has expressed reluctance to provide further support due to concerns about being perceived as endorsing a broader conflict against Iran, which is unpopular among the British public.
The situation remains fluid as Saudi Arabia navigates its response to the recent attacks while managing its critical oil supply chains. The ongoing conflict in Yemen, coupled with regional tensions involving Iran and its proxies, continues to pose significant challenges for the Gulf kingdom and the global oil market.