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Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the targeting of a pipeline in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh and Madinah regions, according to a report by the Qatar News Agency. The statement described the incident as a flagrant violation of international law that undermines regional security and stability. Cairo expressed its full solidarity with the kingdom and backed all steps Riyadh takes to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ministry additionally urged an immediate stop to attacks against Saudi Arabia and fellow Arab states.
The condemnation follows Saudi Arabia’s disclosure that several drones launched from Iraq struck the East-West pipeline, causing some injuries and prompting a precautionary shutdown, Al Jazeera reported. Saudi authorities indicated that while material damage occurred, emergency teams were deployed promptly to repair the infrastructure and restore operations. The kingdom’s Foreign Ministry stated it would refrain from immediate retaliation to give Iraq an opportunity to address the issue from its territory, though it retained the right to respond as necessary.
The East-West pipeline serves as a strategic link transporting crude oil from eastern Saudi fields to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, allowing the kingdom to bypass potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a Voice of Emirates dispatch noted. This route has gained importance amid ongoing regional conflicts that have affected maritime shipping routes. The Saudi Ministry of Energy confirmed the temporary halt in pipeline operations following the morning attacks.
Regional tensions have escalated since the onset of conflict involving Iran earlier this year, leading to increased threats against oil infrastructure across the Gulf, according to reports from Al Jazeera. Yemen’s Houthis have in the past claimed responsibility for similar strikes on Saudi energy facilities, though the latest incident was attributed to drones originating from Iraq. Egypt has consistently voiced support for Saudi security measures in prior incidents as well.
In its latest statement, the Egyptian authorities emphasized the brotherly ties between the two nations and the need to preserve peace through diplomatic channels. The position aligns with Cairo’s established policy of backing Gulf states against external threats to their stability. Officials in both countries continue to coordinate closely on matters affecting regional security.
