U.S. says Saudi pipeline attacks originated in Iraq: Wall Street Journal
Source: Reuters
WORLD NEWS JUNE 28, 2019 / 1:27 PM / UPDATED 5 HOURS AGO
U.S. says Saudi pipeline attacks originated in Iraq: Wall Street Journal
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Drone attacks on Saudi Arabias oil industry in May originated in Iraq, not Yemen, U.S. officials have concluded, drawing questions from Iraqi officials who have asked Washington for more information supporting the claim, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.
U.S. officials familiar with the intelligence on the May drone attacks say they originated in southern Iraq, the Journal reported, saying that most likely pointed a finger at Iran-backed militias in that region.
Yemens Iran-backed Houthis, who have been battling a Saudi-led military coalition for four years, said they carried out the drone strikes against the East-West pipeline.
The drone attack happened two days after four vessels, including two Saudi oil tankers, were damaged by sabotage off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.
The attacks took place against a backdrop of U.S.-Iranian tension following Washingtons move last month to try to cut Tehrans oil exports to zero and beef up its military presence in the Gulf in response to what it called Iranian threats.
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Read more:
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-oil-usa/u-s-says-saudi-pipeline-attacks-originated-in-iraq-wall-street-journal-idUSKCN1TT2LQ
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Original report:
U.S.: Saudi Pipeline Attacks Originated From Iraq (Wall Street Journal)