Reflecting a notable upswing in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and a decline in U.S. land drilling, the domestic rig count rose two units to 761 for the week ended Friday (Feb. 10), according to the latest tally from Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

Ten oil-directed rigs were added in the United States for the week, partially offset by a decline of eight natural gas-directed rigs. Land drilling declined by four units, while the GOM added six rigs week/week to finish with 18, up from 16 in the year-earlier period. Directional drilling increased by five units overall, while vertical drilling declined by three rigs; total horizontal rigs were unchanged week/week.

The combined 761 active U.S. rigs as of Friday compares with 635 rigs running in the year-earlier period, according to the BKR numbers,...