The Militia Digest

Saudi Arabia attributed Thursday morning’s drone strikes on East–West Pipeline facilities in the Riyadh and Medina regions to Iraqi factions, saying they caused injuries, damage and a temporary shutdown. Riyadh deferred a response at Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief Ali Falih al-Zaidi’s request. Baghdad condemned the attack, and al-Zaidi removed the Maysan Operations commander and ordered an investigative council after authorities traced the launch to the province. On Saturday he removed Maysan’s police chief and sent provincial security directors for investigation over recent security breaches. Al-Ghadeer TV (Badr Organization — official) and Al-Nujaba TV (Nujaba — official) had described the pipeline explosion as following a Yemeni attack. Al-Kornet al-Kata'ibi (KSS — affiliated) instead relayed the Saudi account that the drones came from Iraq, while Al-Ittijah TV (KH — official) described extensive fire damage at the pumping station. Al-Ittijah then called Baghdad’s wider personnel action punishment imposed before the investigation was complete. Riyadh has named Iraqi factions, while Baghdad has acted against Maysan’s security command as its investigation proceeds.

Iraq closed Shalamcheh, al-Shib and Mandali with Iran after Saudi Arabia said Thursday’s pipeline drones came from Iraqi territory. The Security Media Cell described administrative and security reorganisation after breaches, while two security sources called Shalamcheh’s closure a precaution after the attack. Sabereen News (KH — affiliated) reported Mandali closed, Al-Ahad TV (AAH — official) reported Shalamcheh closed to passengers and goods, and Al-Kornet reported that Maysan Operations Command had reportedly closed al-Shib until further notice. Al-Ghadeer reported that Basra airport suspended Iran flights, but the airport director said operations were normal. Sabereen showed stranded travellers and patient appeals, while Shabab al-Islam (Ashab al-Kahf — affiliated) .