Satellite imagery reveals significant damage to a crucial oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia following an attack last week, with experts suggesting repairs could take more than a month and potentially lead to higher oil prices. The East-West Pipeline, a vital artery for Saudi crude oil exports via the Red Sea, sustained its most substantial damage at a pumping station.
The Saudi government has attributed the strike to Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. This incident follows a series of missile and drone attacks on southwestern Saudi Arabia by Yemen's Houthi group, also supported by Iran. Saudi Arabia has responded with retaliatory strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in western Yemen.
In addition to the pipeline damage, new satellite images also show damage to Saudi Arabia's King Khalid Air Base, which was also targeted by the Houthis last week. The Saudi government has stated its intention to respond "firmly" to the Houthi attacks.
The Houthis, engaged in a civil war against Saudi-backed forces, have intensified their campaign recently. Last week, they seized control of key territories along Yemen's southwestern coast, including areas overlooking the Bab al-Mandab waterway, enhancing their ability to enforce a declared blockade of Saudi shipping.
Experts consulted by BBC Verify estimate that the pipeline's closure could reduce global oil supplies by as much as 3.6 million barrels per day.