Egyptian gas pipeline explodes after gunmen attack near Israeli border

Egyptian gas pipeline explodes after gunmen attack near Israeli border

2011-04-27 22:30:44 GMT+7 (ICT)

CAIRO, EGYPT (BNO NEWS) -- An Egyptian gas pipeline on Wednesday exploded after an attack by unknown gunmen in the North Sinai area near the border with Israel, the Al-Ahram newspaper reported.

Unknown armed men blew up the pipeline that is used to supply gas to Israel and Jordan and runs through the North Sinai area. No casualties were reported after the incident that is expected to escalate tensions between Egypt and Israel.

The attack took place approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) from the Egyptian-Israeli border. The gas pipeline was set ablaze due to the blast but firefighters were able to control the flames.

"It was an act of sabotage that didn’t result in any casualties," said North Sinai Governor Abdel-Wehab Mabrouk. "The fire that followed the explosion was put out as experts sealed valves that control the flow of the gas."

Egyptian authorities ordered the closure of the pipeline's main source of gas. In addition, residents of Arish city were evacuated while firefighters were extinguishing the fire. The area was secured by security forces while recovery efforts continue.

This was the second attack to the gas pipeline. On February 5, it was the target of another attack during the 18-day revolution that forced former President Hosni Mubarak from power on February 11.

Israel gets 40 percent of its natural gas from Egypt after the two countries signed a 20-year agreement in 2008. The pipeline is located in an area that is home to Bedouin tribesmen.

Last Saturday, Egypt's public prosecutor began trial proceedings against former Energy Minister Sameh Fahmy and six other officials on charges of squandering public funds related to the natural gas deal with Israel which allegedly caused over %174 million losses to the country.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-04-27