Iraq races to contain fallout after local Iran-backed militias accused of attacking Saudi pipeline, tell me about this news in (https://6abc.com/post/saudi-pipeline-attack-iraq-races-contain-fallout-iran-backed-militias-accused-attacking-east-west-oil/19823178/)

12-09-2026

The news report details the diplomatic and security crisis following a drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s critical East-West oil pipeline, which originated from Iraqi territory:The Attack and Immediate Impact Saudi Arabia temporarily shut down its 1,200-kilometer East-West pipeline as a precaution after it was targeted by multiple drones. The strikes hit pumping stations, leaving several people injured and causing structural damage. The East-West pipeline serves as a vital energy artery, carrying roughly 4 to 5 million barrels of crude per day across the peninsula to Red Sea export terminals to bypass disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.Baghdad’s Investigation and Fallout Control The Iraqi government confirmed that the drone strikes were launched from within its bordersspecifically from Maysan province near the Iranian border. To prevent direct retaliation and contain regional fallout:
  • Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an immediate investigation and dismissed both the military operations commander and the provincial police chief in Maysan.
  • Iraqi authorities shut down two major border crossings with Iran (Shalamcheh and Chazabeh) to commercial and passenger traffic while conducting security sweeps.
  • Baghdad reiterated that it will not permit Iraqi territory or airspace to be used for attacks against neighboring nations.
The Stance of the Militias and Saudi Restraint An umbrella group representing local Iran-backed militias denied direct responsibility for striking the pipeline, though they publicly praised Houthi battlefield operations. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia stated that it refrained from immediate military retaliation to provide Baghdad the opportunity to take decisive action against the perpetrators, while reaffirming its right to defend its territory and energy infrastructure.Broader Regional Context The shutdown comes amid heightened tensions across Middle Eastern shipping lanes, where simultaneous disruptions in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf have placed severe pressure on global oil supply and pricing.


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