Iraq dismisses Maysan commander after Saudi Oil pipeline attack

Iraq has taken disciplinary action after attacks on a strategic Saudi oil pipeline were traced to its territory, with Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordering the removal of the commander of the Maysan Operations Command and an investigation into the provincial security structure.

Al-Zaidi’s decision came after Iraqi authorities confirmed that the attacks targeting Saudi Arabia had been launched from Maysan province, according to the prime minister’s office.

“He also ordered the removal of the operations commander after it was confirmed that the attacks targeting our brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were carried out from the territory of this province,” the office said in a statement posted on the prime minister’s Telegram channel.

The Iraqi prime minister also ordered the formation of a committee to investigate the activities of the Maysan Operations Command.

The move follows drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, a key route for transporting crude from the kingdom’s eastern oil fields to the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia temporarily shut the pipeline as a precaution after the attacks, which caused injuries and damage.

Saudi Arabia has said the drones came from Iraq and, following a request from Baghdad, opted not to retaliate immediately in order to give the Iraqi government an opportunity to prevent further attacks from its territory. Riyadh has nevertheless reserved the right to take measures to protect its sovereignty, security and infrastructure.

By Tamilla Hasanova