Pakistan Stands With Saudi Arabia After East-West Pipeline Drone Attacks
Pakistan has strongly condemned drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, reaffirming its commitment to the kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.
ISLAMABAD: In a statement issued on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia’s leadership, government and people, while denouncing the attacks on critical oil infrastructure.
The ministry described the strikes as a serious violation of international law and Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty. It also warned that targeting civilian infrastructure posed a threat to regional peace, security and stability.
“Pakistan reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and prosperity,” the ministry said.
Islamabad also reiterated its commitment to making sincere efforts to promote lasting peace and stability in the region.
Saudi Arabia suspends East-West pipeline operations
Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended operations on its East-West oil pipeline after several drones reportedly targeted the facility in the Riyadh and Madinah regions on Thursday morning.
The Saudi Energy Ministry said the shutdown was a precautionary measure following the attacks. Emergency and technical teams were deployed to secure the pipeline and assess its condition.
According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, the drones were launched from Iraq, causing injuries and material damage.
The pipeline’s suspension comes amid growing tensions in the Middle East, raising concerns about the security of Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure and global oil supplies.
What is the East-West pipeline?
The East-West pipeline, also known as Petroline, is one of Saudi Arabia’s most strategically important oil transportation systems. Operated by Saudi Aramco, it extends approximately 1,200 kilometres from Abqaiq in the Eastern Province to Yanbu on the Red Sea coast.
The pipeline runs entirely within Saudi Arabia and transports crude oil from the kingdom’s major production and processing facilities in the east to refineries, storage facilities and export terminals in the west.
Its strategic importance has increased during the current conflict because it provides Saudi Arabia with an alternative route for transporting oil to the Red Sea without relying on shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Rising tensions and Houthi attacks
The latest incident follows a series of attacks on Saudi Arabia amid the widening regional conflict.
Recent Houthi attacks reportedly targeted the southern Saudi cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, leaving 73 people injured. Saudi-led coalition aircraft subsequently carried out airstrikes on Yemen’s western Al-Hudaydah province.
The Houthis have previously claimed attacks on Saudi energy interests, including two oil tankers in the Red Sea on July 23. The group said the strikes were part of what it described as a naval blockade against the kingdom.
The Houthis control areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a major international shipping route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Their presence in the region has raised concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and energy supplies.
