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 An Egyptian pipeline supplying gas to the Zionist entity and Jordan has been hit with two explosions using remote controlled bombs, forcing it to shut down, making it the seventh assault on the energy route since February.A first blast occurred near Mazar area, 30 kilometers west of the town of Al-Arish, security sources and witnesses said. Witnesses said they had also seen armed men at the scene of explosion. A second explosion took place near a pumping station in the same sector, causing a blaze. The report said it was not clear whether any damage was done. The explosions are the first since pumping resumed on Oct. 24. "Primary examination showed that Improvised Explosive Devices were put under the pipeline and were detonated from a distance," a security source told Reuters. "The attackers used two trucks and extended wires were found at the scene," he added. Egypt doubled the price of gas exported to Jordan last month. The government was under pressure to charge Israel and Jordan more for gas exports because those fixed under Mubarak were seen as below market rates. Petroleum Minister Abdullah Ghorab said the new price for gas exported to Jordan was just above $5 per million BTU, compared to the previous price of $2.15 to $2.30. The Egyptian government said this month it would tighten security measures along the pipeline by installing alarm devices and appointing security patrols from local Bedouin tribes. |
'For the sixth time...'
"...This is the sixth attack on the pipeline since the uprising that toppled President Hosni Mubarak.... The blasts are apparently carried out by groups opposed to the sale of Egyptian gas to Israel.
There have been allegations that under former President Mubarak, gas prices for a 20-year deal struck in 2008 were set artificially low.
Jordan depends on Egyptian gas to generate 80% of its electricity while Israel gets 40% of its natural gas from the country ..."
River to Sea
Uprooted Palestinian
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