Satellite image from Copernicus Sentinel Data taken on Thursday shows black smoke billowing along the general route of Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline
Iraqi group calls Saudi pipeline attack an "honor" it does not claim
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The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an Iranian-backed armed group, said it does not claim “the honor” of a recent drone attack on Saudi Arabia's vital infrastructure.
The denial comes after drones originating from Iraqi territory struck the Kingdom's East-West oil pipeline.
"Being accused of targeting vital facilities in Saudi Arabia is an honor we do not claim," the group said in a statement.
It also criticized the Iraqi government for what it described as a hasty adoption of allegations without credible evidence.
Pipeline shut down
Saudi Arabia said several drones originating from Iraq struck its East-West oil pipeline in the Riyadh and Medina regions, causing injuries and material damage.
The pipeline was shut down as a precaution.
The Iraqi government confirmed that the drones originated from Iraqi territory and launched an investigation.
Baghdad also dismissed a military commander in Maysan province, where officials said the attack was launched.
No group has publicly claimed responsibility for the attack, and Saudi Arabia and Iraq have not publicly identified the perpetrators.
The East-West pipeline transports Saudi crude oil from eastern oil fields to the Red Sea, providing an alternative export route that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz.
