Saudi state media reported that an East-West oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia was attacked on Monday, resulting in a small fire that was quickly extinguished without causing any casualties.
The incident follows a weekend strike in Riyadh, where debris from intercepted missiles damaged a building belonging to the state-owned oil giant Saudi Aramco. De Telegraaf reported that the latest pipeline strike occurred in the western Medina region. State media confirmed that the infrastructure continues to function normally despite the damage.
Attacks on Medina and Yanbu
Monday's strike is the second recent attack on the East-West pipeline, which drones hit in September and temporarily shut down. During that earlier incident, Saudi Arabia blamed Iran-backed militias based in Iraq. Yemeni Houthi rebels also regularly target the kingdom’s energy infrastructure.
Running from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea port city of Yanbu, the pipeline allows Saudi Arabia to export oil while bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.
Riyadh Missile Strikes and Escalation
On Sunday, the Saudi capital of Riyadh came under direct attack when two ballistic missiles fired from Yemen were intercepted. NOS reported that falling debris from the destroyed projectiles struck a high-rise building in the capital’s financial district belonging to Saudi Aramco, shattering windows across multiple floors and damaging the facade.
According to Vietnam.vn, military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed responsibility on behalf of the Houthi movement for a coordinated wave of strikes targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Aramco facilities in Riyadh and Khurais, and oil pump station number 8 in Dawadmi. The Houthi-linked military statements also listed strikes on a National Guard camp in Najran and positions in the Yemeni provinces of Marib and Al-Jawf.
The conflict in Yemen has intensified since a United Nations-mediated truce largely collapsed in July. NOS stated that the Saudi-led coalition responded with airstrikes near the Yemeni capital of Sanaa, which the Houthi-led health ministry reported killed at least 33 people. Saudi officials indicated they are currently investigating those reports.
Houthi Strikes Cause Damage While Oil Prices Drop
| Target / Event | Location | Reported Actor | Primary Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| East-West Pipeline | Medina Region | Unspecified / Regional Militias | Small fire extinguished; pipeline operational |
| Aramco Office Building | Riyadh Financial District | Houthi Rebels | Building facade and windows damaged by debris |
| King Khalid International Airport | Riyadh | Houthi Rebels | Targeted in coordinated missile and drone salvo |
Despite the escalation in physical attacks on critical energy assets, global financial markets showed minimal concern. De Telegraaf noted that the price of Brent crude dropped by more than 4 percent following the announcements.
Independent confirmation of the full extent of the damage at the various targeted airports, military sites, and oil facilities remains unavailable. The renewed cross-border hostilities continue to raise international concerns over the security of vital energy supply chains and maritime choke points near the Red Sea.
Earlier coverage: Saudi Arabia's East-West Oil Pipeline Targeted in Attack
