Saudi Arabia Shuts East-West Pipeline After Houthi Strikes Damage Substations

RIYADH, Sept. 11 (AP) — Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy announced a temporary shutdown of the country's critical East-West Pipeline on Thursday following a series of Houthi strikes that damaged multiple electrical substations and left several people injured.

The ministry stated in a brief communication late Thursday that the pipeline, which transports crude oil from the Eastern Province to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, was taken offline as an immediate safety precaution. The decision comes after coordinated attacks targeted infrastructure supporting the energy corridor, resulting in significant damage to power facilities essential for the pipeline's operation.

The strikes occurred across multiple locations in the kingdom, with initial assessments indicating that the damage to the substations severed the power supply required to operate pumping stations along the route. Emergency response teams were deployed to the affected sites to secure the perimeter and treat the injured. While the ministry confirmed casualties, it did not immediately release a specific number of wounded or provide details on their condition.

The East-West Pipeline, also known as the Petroline, is a strategic asset capable of transporting up to 5 million barrels of oil per day. Its closure disrupts a key export route that allows Saudi Arabia to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, diversifying its shipping options and mitigating risks associated with regional chokepoints. The temporary halt in operations is expected to impact global supply flows as traders monitor the duration of the outage.

Houthi forces, based in Yemen, have frequently targeted Saudi infrastructure since 2015, citing support for their conflict against the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. These attacks have historically focused on oil facilities and power grids, aiming to inflict economic pressure on the kingdom. This latest incident marks a significant escalation in recent months, with the damage to substations representing a direct challenge to the operational continuity of the nation's energy sector.

Saudi officials have not yet provided an estimated timeline for when the pipeline will resume full operations. Engineers are currently assessing the extent of the structural damage to the substations and working on repair protocols. The ministry indicated that restoration efforts are underway but emphasized that safety remains the primary concern before any restart is attempted.

As of late Thursday, no further details were available regarding the specific nature of the weapons used in the strikes or whether additional facilities remain at risk. The international market is awaiting updates from Riyadh on the status of repairs and the potential for extended disruptions to oil exports. Questions remain regarding the long-term security measures that may be implemented to prevent future attacks on the energy corridor.