Baghdad: Iraqi authorities announced the closure of several border crossings on Saturday as part of 'administrative and security' measures and an investigation into unspecified 'breaches and violations,' following drone strikes on a major oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia.

According to Anadolu Agency, the announcement came in a statement by Iraq's Security Media Cell, a day after Baghdad confirmed that the drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia had been launched from a location in the southern Maysan province. "The relevant security authorities have begun administrative and security arrangements at several border crossings, requiring their closure," Iraq's Security Media Cell said in a statement.

The statement added that authorities had taken 'a series of necessary legal measures' and intensified intelligence gathering, investigations, and inspections to establish the circumstances surrounding the 'breaches and violations that occurred at these crossings.' The measures are also intended to identify appropriate solutions and prevent similar incidents, it said.

While the cell did not name the crossings affected by the closures or disclose the nature of the breaches and violations, it confirmed that the Zurbatiyah and Al-Mundhiriyah crossings on the border with Iran remained open to passenger traffic.

These measures follow Iraq's announcement that the drone attacks on Saudi Arabia originated from Maysan province. In response, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an investigative council to examine the conduct of the Maysan Operations Command and dismissed its commander over the incident. Al-Zaidi emphasized that the government "will not tolerate any activity that endangers Iraq or its relations with friendly countries."

The prime minister also affirmed that the government would continue efforts to prevent similar attacks from recurring. This comes after Saudi Arabia reported that its East-West oil pipeline had been targeted several times by drones originating from Iraq in the Riyadh and Medina regions, causing injuries and material damage.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry stated that it had decided, at the Iraqi prime minister's request, 'not to respond at this stage' and to allow Baghdad to take measures to prevent attacks from Iraqi territory against Saudi Arabia and neighboring states. Riyadh stressed, however, that it reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, infrastructure, citizens, and residents.

The Saudi Energy Ministry reported that Thursday's attacks had forced a 'precautionary' shutdown of the East-West pipeline.