Saudi pipeline attack exposes growing power of Iran-backed militias - analysis

Iraq confirmed an attack on a Saudi oil pipeline originated from its Maysan province, dismissing a local commander. The strike, attributed to Iran-backed militias like Kataib Hezbollah, exposes their growing reach as US forces prepare to leave Iraq by September 30. Baghdad has asked Riyadh not to retaliate, while Saudi Arabia temporarily shut down its East-West Pipeline after drone strikes caused casualties and damage.

Iraq confirmed on Saturday that an attack on a key Saudi oil pipeline originated from its Maysan province, dismissing a local commander. The strike, attributed to Iran-backed militias like Kataib Hezbollah, targeted Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline, causing casualties and damage. Saudi Arabia temporarily shut down the pipeline. Baghdad has asked Riyadh not to retaliate, giving Iraq time to investigate. The attack exposes the growing reach of Iran's proxy militias in Iraq as US forces prepare to leave by September 30. The militias, part of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq umbrella group, have also attacked Jordan, Syria, Israel, and killed three US service members in Jordan in 2024. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi had vowed to disarm the militias, but they are playing for time. The US and Saudi Arabia carried out strikes on the militias in July after similar attacks. The Houthis also seized islands in Yemen, threatening the Bab al Mandeb Strait. The article frames the militias as a growing threat to the region and the world, noting their origins in the Iran-Iraq War and expansion after 2003.