Iraq launches urgent probe into alleged attack on Saudi pipeline from its territory
Iraq’s prime minister and commander-in-chief of the armed forces has ordered an urgent investigation into an attack that Saudi Arabia says was launched from Iraqi territory against its oil pipeline. Baghdad said the scale of the incident, those responsible and any party proven to have been involved will face legal action.
According to Iraq’s official news agency, Ali Faleh al-Zaydi also issued an order to form an investigative committee following the attack on the Saudi oil pipeline. The directive came after Saudi Arabia said drones launched from Iraq had targeted the Riyadh–Madinah pipeline.
The Iraqi government also condemned the alleged attacks late on Friday, saying any action that harms the security, stability or relations between the two countries is unacceptable. Baghdad meanwhile thanked Saudi Arabia for its position and Riyadh’s positive response to its efforts to contain the situation.
In the wake of the incident, Iraq’s official news agency reported that Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani dismissed the commander of operations in Maysan province from his post. According to the outlet, the alleged Saudi attack was launched from that province.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry had earlier said in a statement that it would not respond to the attack at present, at the request of the Iraqi prime minister. At the same time, it stressed that it reserved the right to take all necessary measures to protect Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, security and vital facilities.
Maysan province is located in southern Iraq and borders Iran. The Riyadh–Madinah pipeline is also considered one of Saudi Arabia’s important oil transport facilities.
