Pakistan: Pakistan on Saturday strongly condemned drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, reaffirming its support for the kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.
What did Pakistan say about the attacks?
In a statement, the Foreign Office described the attacks and targeting of civilian infrastructure as a violation of international law and Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The FO said the attacks posed a serious threat to regional peace, security and stability.
Pakistan also reiterated its solidarity with the Saudi leadership, government and people, saying it would continue efforts to promote lasting peace and stability in the region.
What happened to Saudi Arabia’s oil pipeline?
The attacks caused damage to the pipeline and injuries to civilians, according to Saudi authorities.
Saudi Arabia temporarily shut the East-West pipeline following the attacks. The 1,200-kilometre pipeline is a key route for transporting crude oil across the kingdom and provides an alternative route for exports when shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted.
Saudi Arabia said it had not immediately retaliated following a request from Iraq’s prime minister, while maintaining that it reserved the right to take necessary measures to protect its interests.
Iraq condemned the attacks and launched an investigation into the incident. Iraqi authorities also took precautionary measures following the strikes.
Responsibility for the pipeline attacks had not been conclusively established at the time of reporting.
The attacks came amid continuing disruptions to shipping and energy infrastructure across the wider Middle East, with regional tensions affecting oil supplies and transportation routes.
Saudi authorities said the impact of the attacks on oil exports was still being assessed.