Egyptian Officials: Militants Blow Up Sinai Gas Pipeline

Arab World

February 3rd, 6:18am

Asharq Al-Awsat

An Egyptian military vehicle is seen on the highway in northern Sinai, Egypt, in this May 25, 2015 file photo. REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih/Files

Militants blew up a natural gas pipeline Sunday in Egypt's restive Sinai Peninsula, security officials said. At least six masked gunmen drove a four-wheel drive before detonating explosives in the attack in the town of Bir al-Abd, around 80 kilometers west of the provincial capital el-Arish, the officials said. No casualties or injuries have so far been reported and no group has claimed responsibility. According to officials, the gas pipeline connects to a power station in el-Arish, powering homes and factories in central Sinai. Egypt's Petroleum Ministry did not react to a request for comment. The country has for years been fighting a hardened insurgency in North Sinai that escalated in 2013. In February 2018, the army and police launched a nationwide operation against militants focused on North Sinai.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2112556/egyptian-officials-militants-blow-sinai-gas-pipeline