Saudi Arabia shuts key oil pipeline after drone attack launched from Iraq

It said the kingdom would "support the efforts of the Iraqi government" to "prevent attacks" launched from the country against neighbouring states."The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia affirms that it reserves its right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and security, protect its facilities, and ensure the safety of its citizens and residents," the statement added.The Iraqi prime minister's office in its own statement said the operations commander in the Maysan governorate - a province which borders Iran - had been removed from his post following confirmation the drone attack had been launched from that region.The Gulf Co-operation Council – made up of representatives from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait – also issued a missive condemning the attack."This attack represents a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable threat to the security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its territorial integrity, and its vital installations, as well as a flagrant violation of the principles of international law," secretary general Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.This week, a lightning advance in Yemen has also seen Houthi militants seize control of much of the country's coastline, sources say.The group claims it has control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the gateway to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, though it says maritime navigation is "safe for all companies except for Saudi vessels".