Saudi Oil Pipeline Shut Down: Iraq Accused of Militia Attack

Iraq's government worked urgently on Saturday to limit damage after Iran-backed militias in the country were accused of attacking and shutting down a major Saudi oil pipeline. The pipeline is a key export route for Saudi oil. Its closure could disrupt global energy supplies. The accusation adds new pressure to Iraq, which is trying to stay out of the wider regional conflict. That conflict was triggered by the U.S.-Israeli offensive against Iran that began at the end of February. The Houthis, an Iran-backed group in Yemen, have also stepped up recruiting. Fighters loyal to the Houthi authorities held a rally in Sanaa on Sept. 10 to find new recruits. Yemen fell back into war in July after years of calm, pulled into the same regional fighting.