The pipeline has been moving between 4 million and 5 million barrels of oil per day in recent months
The pipeline has been moving between 4 million and 5 million barrels of oil per day in recent months, equivalent to roughly 4% to 5% of global supply, according to ship-tracking companies and analysts. By early June, Saudi Arabia had more than doubled oil exports from Yanbu to more than 5 million barrels per day. The Iraqi prime minister’s office also announced the dismissal of a military commander after an investigation found that the attack originated from Iraq. Two Iraqi security sources said Baghdad had additionally ordered the closure of the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran as a precautionary measure, while a wide-scale operation was launched to track down those responsible.
The Saudi Energy Ministry said Friday that the pipeline had been shut down as “a precautionary measure” after multiple attacks. The Saudi Foreign Ministry said the strikes were carried out by several drones coming from Iraq, where Iranian-backed militias operate, and that the attacks “caused human injuries and damage. The kingdom said it “reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, its security, its facilities,” and its inhabitants. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said the kingdom had chosen not to respond “at this stage” following a request from the Iraqi prime minister. Iraq condemned the attack and said it would not allow its territory or airspace to be used to launch attacks against Saudi Arabia or neighbouring countries.
Saudi Arabia has so far held back from retaliation after Iraq’s prime minister asked Riyadh to give Baghdad time to take action against those responsible.
Yemeni government sources said the Houthis had captured Perim Island, a strategically important position in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, after also taking control of the port city of Mocha. The pipeline attack came as Iran-backed Houthi rebels tightened their grip on the southern entrance to the Red Sea.