Iraq Shuts Several Border Crossings Following Drone Attacks on Saudi Oil Pipeline

BAGHDAD, Sep 12: Iraqi authorities on Saturday ordered the temporary closure of several border crossings following an investigation into security breaches linked to recent drone attacks targeting a major Saudi oil pipeline.

The decision came a day after Baghdad confirmed that drones used in the attacks on Saudi Arabia had been launched from Maysan province in southern Iraq.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi also ordered an investigation into the actions of the Maysan Operations Command and dismissed its military commander following the incident.

In a statement, Iraq’s Security Media Cell said authorities had begun implementing “administrative and security arrangements” at several border crossings, leading to their temporary closure.

The authorities have also initiated legal proceedings and intensified intelligence gathering, investigations and inspections to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported violations.

The measures are aimed at identifying appropriate solutions and preventing similar incidents from being repeated, the statement said.

The Security Media Cell did not identify the crossings that had been shut, specify the violations uncovered or indicate how long the closures would remain in place. It confirmed that the Zurbatiyah and Al-Mundhiriyah crossings on Iraq’s border with Iran remained open to passenger traffic.

The latest action followed Baghdad’s confirmation on Friday that the drones involved in attacks on Saudi targets had originated from Maysan.

According to the Iraqi prime minister’s media office, al-Zaidi said the government would not tolerate activities that could endanger Iraq or damage its relations with friendly countries. He also reaffirmed Baghdad’s commitment to preventing Iraqi territory from being used to launch attacks against neighbouring states.

The developments come amid rising tensions across the Middle East and growing concerns over the security of regional energy infrastructure and oil shipping routes.

Saudi Arabia said on Friday that its East-West oil pipeline had been targeted multiple times by drones originating from Iraq. The strikes hit areas in the Riyadh and Medina regions, causing injuries and material damage.

Following the attacks, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said Riyadh had agreed, at the request of the Iraqi prime minister, not to retaliate “at this stage” and would give Baghdad an opportunity to take measures to prevent further attacks originating from Iraqi territory.

However, the kingdom warned that it retained the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, infrastructure, citizens and residents.

The Saudi Energy Ministry said Thursday’s attacks had prompted the precautionary shutdown of the East-West pipeline. It added that the kingdom would support efforts by the Iraqi government to prevent attacks launched from its territory against Saudi Arabia and other neighbouring countries.

The latest measures by Baghdad reflect growing pressure on Iraqi authorities to strengthen control over activities originating from its territory and prevent the country from becoming a launchpad for attacks against regional states.