RIYADH:Saudi Arabia Shuts East-West Oil Pipeline in the Riyadh and Madinah regions as a precautionary measure after the strategically important pipeline came under multiple attacks on Thursday morning, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), citing an official source from the Ministry of Energy.
The authorities temporarily halted operations to protect the facility and allow emergency and technical teams to inspect the pipeline and ensure that it remains safe. The attacks reportedly caused injuries to a number of people, who were provided with medical treatment.
Saudi authorities said specialised emergency teams responded immediately after the incidents. The teams worked to secure the affected areas, assess the condition of the pipeline and implement established safety and emergency response procedures in coordination with relevant government agencies.
Officials said any additional developments would be announced through the appropriate channels.
Saudi Arabia Shuts East-West Oil Pipeline Amid Rising Houthi Threat
The pipeline shutdown comes amid heightened tensions involving attacks attributed to the Houthi militia in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned what it described as terrorist attacks targeting civilian and economic infrastructure inside the Kingdom.
Saudi officials said recent attacks affected the cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, resulting in injuries to 73 civilians, including women and children.
Speaking during an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Abdulaziz Alwasil, urged the Council to adopt a firm and clear position against the attacks.
Alwasil warned that continued Houthi escalation could have consequences beyond Saudi Arabia’s borders. He said attacks on the Kingdom’s infrastructure and security also pose risks to regional stability, international trade and maritime navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Saudi Arabia Calls for Stronger International Action
The Saudi ambassador called on the UN Security Council to fulfil its responsibility to protect international peace and security. He also urged the full implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions and called for an end to support that enables the Houthi militia to continue attacks.
Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its right to protect its sovereignty, citizens, residents and national infrastructure under the principles of international law and the UN Charter.
Also Read: Saudi Arabia Under Fresh Houthi Attack as Yemen Fighting Threatens to Reignite
Riyadh also reiterated its position on Yemen, stressing its support for the country’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Saudi Arabia said it remains committed to a comprehensive and sustainable political solution led by Yemenis themselves.
Houthi Attacks Target Saudi Cities
Saudi authorities said Houthi forces recently launched attacks against Khamis Mushait, Abha and Jazan using ballistic missiles and drones.
Major General Turki Al-Malki, spokesman for the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, said the attacks demonstrated what Saudi Arabia considers to be the Houthis’ continued strategy of escalation and targeting civilian areas.
He said the coalition would respond in accordance with the principle of self-defence while seeking to protect Saudi sovereignty, national infrastructure and civilians.
Saudi Arabia has also condemned attacks on commercial vessels and international maritime navigation in the Red Sea, warning that such actions could threaten vital international shipping routes.
The Saudi Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s right to defend itself while condemning attacks on civilian and economic facilities.
The latest pipeline shutdown highlights the wider security concerns facing Saudi Arabia as regional tensions continue to affect critical infrastructure and transportation routes. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the situation and take additional precautionary measures if required.
