KABUL (Pajhwok): The Iraqi government has confirmed that recent drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s key East-West oil pipeline were launched from Iraqi territory, prompting Baghdad to dismiss a military commander and launch an investigation.
The Associated Press reported that Iraqi officials had determined that the attacks were launched from Maysan province in southern Iraq, near the Iranian border.
According to the report, the Iraqi government dismissed the commander of Maysan Operations following the incident and launched an investigation.
Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry said the East-West pipeline was targeted several times on Thursday in the Riyadh and Medina regions, injuring a number of people. It did not provide details about the number or identities of those injured.
The report said the pipeline was shut down as a precaution following the attacks.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry also said several drones launched from Iraqi territory had targeted the pipeline.
The report added that “Iran-backed Iraqi armed groups” had been accused of carrying out the attacks. However, it did not specify which institution or official had made the accusation, while the Iraqi government has so far not attributed responsibility for the attacks to any specific group.
The East-West pipeline transports oil from Saudi Arabia’s eastern regions to the Red Sea coast. Its importance has increased in recent months amid restrictions on oil transportation through the Strait of Hormuz.
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