RIYADH, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Foreign Ministry said Friday a drone attack on its East-West Pipeline was launched from Iraq, causing injuries and damage.
In a statement, the ministry condemned the attack and noted that at the request of the Iraqi prime minister, the kingdom had refrained from responding at this stage.
The move was intended to give the Iraqi government an opportunity to take necessary measures to prevent attacks launched from Iraqi territory against Saudi Arabia, the ministry said.
It added that the kingdom reserves the right to take all appropriate action to protect its sovereignty, security, facilities, and citizens.
Iraq welcomed Saudi Arabia's decision to hold off on retaliation, condemned any attack threatening Saudi security, and said it had ordered an investigation into those responsible, according to a statement from its armed forces.
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in the East-West Pipeline, which carries crude oil from its eastern fields to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. ■
