The Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia, and the Chairman of Saudi Aramco Mr Al-Falih has reported “that two pump stations on the East-West pipeline were attacked”, confirming sabotage targeting the global oil supply.

 

The two pumping stations were attacked by drones armed with explosives which caused a fire and minor damage. The pipeline transports Saudi oil from the Eastern Province to Yanbu port.

 

The statement went on to say “Saudi Aramco has taken all necessary measures and temporarily shut down the pipeline to evaluate its condition. The company is working on restoring the pump station prior to resuming operations.”

 

Mr. Al-Falih confirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns this cowardly attack, emphasizing that this act of terrorism and sabotage in addition to recent acts in the Arabian Gulf do not only target the Kingdom but also the security of world oil supplies and the global economy.

 

This attack came only days after four oil tankers were attacked by saboteurs off the coastal port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia reported that two of its oil tankers were among those attacked, the others being registered in Norway and Sharjah. The AP quoted a Saudi statement as saying the damages sustained by the two tankers were “significant” and a statement by Thome Ship Management said "The master of MT Andrea Victory reported the crew were unharmed but there was a hole in the hull area of the aft peak tank. The ship is not in any danger of sinking," 

 

The details and method of attack on the oil tankers has yet to be disclosed but the very fact that at least two of the four ships attacked are said to have been holed,  as in the case of the MT Andrea Victory indicates a high degree of competence.

 

As result of the attacks crude oil prices jumped.

 

Houthi militias have stated that they will continue to target both military and civilian critical infrastructure in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE in a clear attempt to disrupt and destabilise both and bring international pressure to bear on the coalition partners by disrupting the global oil trade.

 

Six months ago, as international partners for both countries became increasingly uncomfortable with how the war was being waged, that strategy might have worked. But with tensions between the US and Iran increase, the likelihood of any de-escalation in Yemen seems remote.

 

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