SAUDI ARABIA SAYS IRAQI DRONES HIT EAST-WEST OIL PIPELINE

Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline was struck by drones launched from Iraq on Friday, according to a statement from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The attack targeted the pipeline in the Riyadh and Medina areas and resulted in injuries and material damage, the ministry said. An official from Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy told the state news agency that the pipeline had been temporarily shut as a precaution. Saudi Arabia expressed its "strongest condemnation" of the attack in the statement posted on social media.

Saudi Arabia said it would not retaliate at this stage, citing a request from Iraq's Prime Minister to allow the Iraqi government an opportunity to take preventive measures against attacks launched from its territory. The Saudi statement said the kingdom would reserve the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security and critical facilities. Iraq's government condemned the attack and affirmed its rejection of any aggression that threatens Saudi Arabia's security and stability, according to a statement issued by Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for the commander-in-chief of Iraq's Armed Forces. Iraq said it appreciated Riyadh's response to its efforts to contain the situation.

The attack on critical energy infrastructure comes amid ongoing regional tensions. The East-West pipeline is a significant transport route for Saudi oil. Iraq's statement indicated it was taking the matter seriously and working to prevent further attacks originating from its territory against Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries.