Egypt gas pipeline attacked, again

The main gas pipeline carrying supplies from Egypt to Jordan and Israel has been attacked again. The two explosions occurred near the town of Al-Arish in the north of the Sinai desert.

According to witnesses, the blasts ripped through the area, sending flames high into the air.

There have been many such attacks on the pipelines in the Sinai, following the overthrow of former president Hosni Mubarak. According to locals, the two explosions occurred close together after six men were seen in an unmarked vehicle.

The area has been subject to growing unrest, due to tensions with heavily armed Bedouin tribes who reside there.

According to Egyptian officials, there have been at least 12 attacks on pipelines since Mubarak was ousted in February 2011.

The pipeline only reopened last week after it was shut down on 5 February following a similar explosion.

Sources: BBC News, Reuters, WSJ

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