Last Updated on September 12, 2026 by YeJahan
YEJAHAN REPORT
ISLAMABAD (Sept 12): Despite securing Major Non-NATO Ally status, signing the U.S.-Saudi Strategic Defense Agreement, and forming a mutual defense pact with Pakistan and Türkiye, Saudi Arabia remains desperate for protection against renewed Houthi missile strikes, as the militias’ missile barrages this month have tested the limits of these defense pacts.
A key oil pipeline system in the Riyadh and Madinah regions came under attack on Thursday, with projectiles fired by drones striking pump stations located next to the pipeline itself, forcing a halt in supply. The Ministry of Energy confirmed that the pipeline had been targeted and was subsequently shut down as a precautionary measure. More than 70 people have been injured in the drone strikes, which were reportedly fired from Iraq.
Fearing a retaliatory strike from Iran, the Saudi Government has been restrained from taking immediate action against the rival forces. The Kingdom stated that it held back in response to a request from the Iraqi Prime Minister, who sought time to take the necessary measures to prevent attacks launched from Iraqi territory.
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The strike signals that not only are the Kingdom’s oil resources—and its ability to export them—facing increasing threats, but it also leaves Riyadh appearing helpless. According to US media, United States President Donald Trump has turned down an appeal made by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who sought US airstrikes on the Houthis. To add to Saudi woes, Pakistan has also made it clear that the Mecca pact is purely defensive in nature.
The attacks on the pipeline come within days of the Houthis’ seizure of a strategic Red Sea port city in Yemen, an escalation that could further threaten energy shipping in the region. Sources said it was not immediately clear how long it would take to repair the damage to the pipeline system.
