Saudi Arabian oil pipeline system hit by projectiles, triggering fires

A key oil pipeline system in Saudi Arabia was struck by projectiles on Thursday, according to CNN, citing two US officials.

An early analysis found that pump stations located next to the pipeline were hit, with satellite images showing extensive fire damage at one station and a smaller fire sending up thick black smoke at another.

CNN reported that one official said the pipeline was struck by drones originating from Iraq, though it remains unclear whether sections of the pipeline itself were damaged.

The strike comes as Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline has become critical since Iran effectively shuttered the Strait of Hormuz, forcing the kingdom to reroute about 5 million barrels of oil daily through the route to its Red Sea port of Yanbu.

Saudi authorities and Aramco did not respond to requests for comment.