<p>Satellite imagery has confirmed extensive damage to Saudi Arabia's East-West crude oil pipeline, after a reported drone strike forced the country to shut down one of its most critical oil export routes.</p>
<p>Images released on Sunday, September 13, captured by Vantor and cited by Reuters showed a pumping station on the 1,200-kilometre pipeline, located in the desert southeast of Madinah, heavily blackened by fire. Crude oil that escaped the facility was visible spreading across the surrounding desert beyond the perimeter.</p>
<p>The attack occurred on Friday, September 11. Saudi Arabia has not released a detailed assessment of the damage, nor has it said when operations will resume. Sources cited by Reuters offered differing estimates: one said full restoration could take up to six weeks, while another suggested limited pumping could resume sooner.</p>
<p>The East-West pipeline has a capacity of around 7 million barrels per day and normally transports approximately 4 million barrels of crude daily to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. That volume represents roughly 4 per cent of global oil supplies.</p>
<p>Three industry sources familiar with Saudi export operations told Reuters that stocks at Yanbu could sustain shipments for only five to seven days while the pipeline remains offline. Saudi Arabia also holds crude at Egypt's Ain Sukhna and Sidi Kerir ports, which could provide additional supplies to customers for several days. Those reserves are limited, however, and would eventually run down if the pipeline is not restored.</p>
<p>The route has grown increasingly important as disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has intensified, offering Riyadh an alternative way to move crude towards international markets.</p>
<p>Saudi Arabia has blamed the attack on drones launched from Iraq. Iraqi authorities have confirmed the aircraft originated from Iraqi territory and have opened an investigation.</p>
<p>Adding to concerns in the region, Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen have also intensified attacks against Saudi targets. The Houthis have taken control of Perim Island, also known as Mayun Island, at the entrance to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The strategically located island overlooks a major maritime route linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.</p>
<p>The developments have heightened concerns over the security of key energy and shipping corridors at a time when disruption around the Strait of Hormuz is already affecting regional trade.</p>
