Satellite Images Reveal Extensive Damage to Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline After Drone Attack
New satellite photographs released by Vantor and published via Getty Images on Sunday show the scale of destruction caused by a drone strike on Saudi Arabia’s strategic East-West pipeline. The images capture a bird’s-eye view of fire damage and extensive blackened areas in and around a pumping station on the pipeline network.
Pipeline Shut Down as Precaution After Multiple Drone Strikes
Saudi Arabia temporarily closed the roughly 750-mile system, known as Petroline, on Friday as a precautionary measure following multiple drone attacks launched from Iraq. The Saudi government reported several injuries in the strikes, which targeted a key stretch of the pipeline in the Riyadh and Medina regions.
The East-West pipeline transports crude oil from Abqaiq on the kingdom’s eastern Gulf coast to the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea. With an estimated total design capacity of 7 million barrels per day following recent expansions, the pipeline serves as a critical alternative route for Saudi crude exports, allowing the OPEC kingpin to bypass the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
Houthi Offensive Threatens Bab el-Mandeb Strait
The pipeline closure coincides with an escalation by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis, who have intensified attacks on targets in Saudi Arabia and launched a rapid ground offensive aimed at seizing control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This chokepoint on the other side of the Arabian Peninsula is another critically important passage for global oil shipments.
Analysts warn that the Houthis’ advance toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could have significant ramifications for energy markets and global trade, particularly if the militant group escalates threats or attacks on Red Sea shipping.
Satellite Imagery Documents Before and After Damage
Maxar | Maxar | Getty Images
Maxar | Maxar | Getty Images
Maxar | Maxar | Getty Images
Oil Prices Surge on Middle East Supply Fears
Oil prices have rallied in recent days amid deepening supply concerns in the Middle East. International benchmark Brent crude futures for November expiry rose 3.3% to $108.02 per barrel on Monday morning, extending gains after jumping more than 20% over the past month.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures for October expiry traded nearly 3% higher at $102.98. The contract, up nearly 25% over the past month, surpassed $100 for the first time since May last week.
— CNBC’s Spencer Kimball contributed to this report.
