Kuwait: Absolute solidarity with Saudi Arabia

Kuwait expressed its strong condemnation and deep indignation at the targeting of the East-West pipeline in the Riyadh and Medina regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by several drones launched from Iraqi territory, which resulted in human casualties and material damage. This incident constitutes a blatant violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty, a breach of international law and international humanitarian law, and a threat to energy supply security.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that these attacks represent a serious escalation that could undermine regional security and stability. It emphasized the importance of the Iraqi government taking necessary measures to ensure that its territory is not used as a launching pad for such attacks, and to work to halt and prevent their recurrence. The ministry renewed Kuwait’s absolute solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its steadfast support, and its backing for all measures taken by Riyadh to safeguard its sovereignty, security, stability, and interests.

Earlier, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had strongly condemned the targeting of the East-West pipeline by several drones originating from Iraq, which caused injuries and damage currently being addressed. Following the confirmation that the attacks originated from within Maysan Governorate, the Iraqi government dismissed the commander of Maysan operations.

A senior official in the Saudi Ministry of Energy announced in a statement that the pipeline had been temporarily halted in the Riyadh and Medina regions as a precautionary measure following multiple attacks. The official confirmed that medical care was being provided to the injured. He added that emergency and technical teams began their work immediately after the attacks, taking necessary steps to secure the pipeline and verify its integrity, in accordance with approved procedures and plans, in coordination with relevant authorities.

A statement from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that Saudi Arabia chose not to respond at this stage and supported efforts by the Iraqi government, at the request of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, to allow his government time to take measures to prevent attacks launched from Iraqi territory against Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries.

On his part, Iraq announced on Saturday that the Iraqi Security Media Authority reported that relevant security authorities had closed several border crossings with Iran as part of administrative and security reorganization. The authority stated in a release that a series of necessary legal measures had been taken, intelligence and investigative efforts intensified, and audits conducted to determine the circumstances of violations and infractions at these crossings, with appropriate solutions and remedies being implemented.

Iraqi media had previously reported the closure of three border crossings with Iran in the wake of the attack on the oil pipeline between Riyadh and Medina in Saudi Arabia, which originated from within Iraq. Social media platforms circulated images and videos showing the closure of the Shuaybah, Shalamjah, and Mehran border crossings. The decision also included a ban on the passage of passengers and goods between the two sides, as well as the suspension of departures and arrivals until further notice.

Earlier on Saturday morning, Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ali al-Zaidi, ordered the formation of an investigative council against the leadership of Maysan Governorate operations in southeastern Iraq. Spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Army, Sabah al-Nu’man, stated in a release that al-Zaidi ordered the dismissal of the operations commander, following the confirmation that the attacks targeting Saudi Arabia originated from a site within the governorate.