🔶 Attack on Saudi oil pipeline; Iraq shuts Shalamcheh border crossing

In response to a drone attack on Saudi Arabia, Iraq dismissed a military commander in the Maysan province and closed the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran.

According to Reuters, Iraq and Saudi Arabia have confirmed that the attack on Friday, 20 Shahrivar (11 September) on Saudi Arabia’s strategic and important “East-West” oil pipeline was carried out from Iraqi territory; an area where Iran-backed militia groups operate.

According to two sources familiar with the matter, Iraqi forces have begun wide-ranging operations to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack.

In a statement, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately condemned “drone-launched” firing from Iraqi territory. Saudi Arabia said that at the request of Iraq’s prime minister, Riyadh will temporarily refrain from retaliatory action so that Baghdad has an opportunity to address the attack.