Saudi Arabia has shut a key oil pipeline after it was attacked by drones launched from Iraq, as the widening Middle East conflict puts further pressure on regional energy infrastructure and shipping routes, the BBC reports.
The 1,200km East-West pipeline, which allows Saudi Arabia to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, was closed as a precaution on Friday after the attack, according to the BBC.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said the attack caused some injuries and damage, which was still being assessed.
Iraq, meanwhile, said it had removed a military commander from his post and launched an investigation after confirming that the drones were launched from Maysan governorate, a province bordering Iran, the BBC reported.
The Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office said the operations commander in Maysan had been removed following confirmation that the drone attack on Saudi Arabia originated from the region.
