Driven by another week of attrition in the oil-focused Permian Basin, the U.S. rig count fell three units to 244 for the period ending Friday (Aug. 14), according to updated figures from oilfield services (OFS) provider Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

A four-rig decrease in oil-directed drilling was partially offset by a net increase of one natural gas-directed rig in the United States for the week. The combined U.S. tally finished the week 691 units behind the 935 rigs active in the year-ago period.

Land drilling fell by five units, while one rig was added in the Gulf of Mexico and another in inland waters, according to BKR. An increase of one vertical rig partially offset the departure of four horizontal units.

The Canadian rig count gained seven units overall to finish at 54,...