Satellite images show the extent of damage caused by a drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s east-west pipeline. The pipeline is a highly strategic network that transports crude oil from Abqaiq on the Saudi eastern Gulf coast to the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea.
Images published by Vantaa and published through Getty Images on Sunday show a bird’s-eye view of fire damage and extensive blackened areas in and around the pipeline’s pumping station.
Saudi Arabia temporarily shut down its roughly 750-mile system (Petroline) on Friday as a precaution after multiple attacks by drones launched from Iraq. The Saudi government said several people were injured in drone strikes that targeted key sections of the pipeline in the Riyadh and Medina regions.
As fighting continues between the United States and Iran, OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia relies on the East-West Pipeline to keep oil exports away from the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Following recent expansion, the East-West Pipeline has an estimated total design capacity of 7 million barrels per day.
The pipeline closure comes as Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have stepped up attacks on Saudi targets and launched a blitzkrieg ground offensive aimed at seizing control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another vital oil chokepoint on the other side of the Arabian Peninsula.
There are concerns that the Houthi movement into the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could have a significant impact on energy markets and global trade, especially if the militants increase their threats and attacks on Red Sea shipping.
Vantoor satellite imagery shows Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline Pumping Station before the September 11, 2026 drone attack and resulting fire.
Maxar | Maxar | Getty Images
Vantaa satellite images show fire damage and extensive blackened areas around Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline pumping station and its surroundings after the September 11, 2026 drone attack and resulting fire.
Maxar | Maxar | Getty Images
Vantaa satellite images detail fire-damaged structures and blackened ground at an East-West pipeline pumping station in Saudi Arabia after the September 11, 2026 drone attack and resulting fire.
Maxar | Maxar | Getty Images
Oil prices have been rising in recent days due to growing supply concerns in the Middle East.
International benchmark Brent crude oil futures (due in November) rose 3.3% to $108.02 a barrel on Monday morning, extending their gains after rising more than 20% over the past month.
Meanwhile, US West Texas Intermediate futures (October expiry) rose nearly 3% to trade at $102.98. The contract has risen nearly 25% over the past month and last week topped $100 for the first time since May.
—CNBC’s Spencer Kimball contributed to this report.
