Houthis Hit Saudi Mosque, Injuring Two After Pipeline Shutdown
- Saudi ministry orders immediate shutdown of 1,200‑km East-West pipeline
- Houthis claim drone strike on Qatif mosque, two injured
- Former US President Donald Trump says Iran likely behind pipeline attack
- Iran obtained Chinese satellite imagery before US troop strike
- Red Sea oil shipments fall 15% as Houthis tighten grip
Saudi officials confirmed on Tuesday that the 1,200‑kilometre East-West crude pipeline, capable of moving up to 5.5 million barrels per day, has been taken offline after a series of drone strikes.
The move follows a report from the Ministry of Energy that drones launched from Iraq hit the pipeline near the town of Al‑Qassim, causing a temporary shutdown to assess damage.
Sources confirmed the pipeline resumed limited flow after emergency repairs, but officials said full capacity will not be restored until a thorough safety inspection is completed.
- Pipeline length: 1,200 km
- Capacity: 5.5 million barrels per day
- Estimated downtime: 48‑72 hours
- Initial damage: three drone‑induced craters
- Repair crews: 150 engineers and technicians
The shutdown comes as the kingdom grapples with a surge in attacks on its energy infrastructure, a pattern that analysts say threatens the stability of global oil markets.
Officials said the decision was taken to protect both the workforce and the environment, citing the risk of a major spill in the desert corridor.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Interior increased patrols along the pipeline route, deploying additional aerial surveillance drones to deter further incursions.
Houthis Claim Mosque Strike in Qatif, Two Wounded
In the early hours of 13 September, a mosque in the coastal city of Qatif was struck by a projectile that officials identified as a drone, injuring two worshippers who were leaving the Friday prayers.
Witnesses said the explosion created a plume of smoke and shattered windows, but the structure remained standing.
An official at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs said the injured were taken to King Fahd Hospital where they are in stable condition.
Sources confirmed the attack coincided with the pipeline incident, suggesting a coordinated campaign by the Yemeni Houthi movement.
"We condemn any act that endangers civilians," a spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Interior said, adding that security forces are investigating the source of the drones.
Experts said the timing of the mosque strike could be intended to amplify pressure on the Saudi government ahead of upcoming regional talks in Muscat.
Trump Says Iran 'Probably' Behind Pipeline Attack
Former US President Donald Trump, speaking at a press briefing in Washington on Saturday, asserted that Iran is "probably" responsible for the drone strikes that forced the pipeline shutdown.
He cited intelligence briefings that, according to him, linked the drones to Iranian‑supplied technology used by the Houthis.
"Iran is playing a dangerous game, and the world is watching," Trump said, adding that the United States will consider further sanctions if the evidence is confirmed.
Officials said the US is reviewing satellite and signal intelligence to corroborate the claim, but no formal accusation has been made yet.
Analysts noted that Trump's remarks could influence the diplomatic calculus in Riyadh, which has been seeking broader international support to counter Houthi aggression.
Iran Obtained Chinese Satellite Images Before US Troop Strike
A report released by France 24 on Saturday revealed that Iran accessed high‑resolution Chinese satellite imagery days before a deadly strike on US troops in the Middle East.
The images, captured by the Gaofen series, showed detailed layouts of US forward operating bases in Iraq and Syria, allowing Iranian planners to identify vulnerable points.
Experts said the same satellite data could have been repurposed to map Saudi oil infrastructure, explaining the precision of the recent drone attacks.
"The fusion of Chinese space capability with Iranian intelligence creates a new threat vector," an unnamed security analyst told the outlet.
Sources confirmed that Iranian officials shared the imagery with Houthi commanders via encrypted channels, a practice that has raised concerns in Washington and Beijing alike.
Red Sea Shipping Disruption Threatens Global Oil Markets
The combined effect of the pipeline shutdown and Houthi attacks on merchant vessels has caused a 15% drop in Red Sea oil shipments over the past 48 hours, according to data from the International Energy Agency.
Shipping companies report that vessels are rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope, adding up to two weeks to transit times and increasing freight costs by an estimated £250,000 per voyage.
Experts said the disruption could push Brent crude prices up by $3‑$5 per barrel if the pipeline remains offline for more than a week.
- Red Sea cargo volume decline: 15%
- Additional transit time: up to 14 days
- Extra freight cost per vessel: £250,000
- Estimated global oil price impact: $3‑$5 per barrel
The situation has prompted the United Kingdom's Department for International Trade to issue travel advisories for crew members travelling through the Gulf of Aden, warning of heightened security risks.
Meanwhile, Indian refineries, which import a significant share of their crude from Saudi Arabia, are exploring alternative supply lines from Iraq and the United Arab Emirates to safeguard their production schedules.
Diplomatic Ripples: Muscat Talks and Regional Security Concerns
In the wake of the attacks, Omani foreign minister Sayyid Badr al‑Busaidi announced that the scheduled Muscat talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran will proceed as planned on 20 September, aiming to de‑escalate tensions in the Gulf.
The Omani delegation hopes to address the pipeline security issue, the Houthi maritime campaign, and the broader Iranian proxy strategy in the region.
Analysts pointed out that Oman's neutral stance makes it a suitable venue for back‑channel negotiations, especially after recent Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon added another layer of complexity.
"We are committed to finding a peaceful resolution that protects energy infrastructure and civilian lives," al‑Busaidi said at a press conference in Muscat.
Experts warned that if diplomatic efforts stall, the Red Sea could become a new flashpoint, drawing in external powers such as the United States, China, and the European Union, each with vested interests in the free flow of oil.