Southern Iraq oil pipeline attacked

Employees at the South Oil Company (SOC) attempt to control the fire on a sabotaged section of the pipeline connecting the oil fields of Rumayia and Zubeir 2, 100 kms south of Basra, southern Iraq, yesterday. From Zubeir 2, oil is pumped out to the southern export terminals. Threats against oil infrastructure during the recent conflict between US troops and Shiite Muslim fighters in the holy city of Najaf had helped force world oil prices to record highs. PHOTO: AFP

The damaged pipeline links the Rumayia and Zubeir 2 oilfields, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) south of the main southern city of Basra, the source added. From Zubeir 2, oil is pumped out to the southern export terminals.

An SOC official also said a leak had been discovered on a pipeline leading to the Hamar Mishrif pumping depot, 60 kilometrms south of Basra.

On Thursday, officials said eight pipelines, part of a cluster of 20, that feed two southern oilfields were sabotaged in an overnight explosion, affecting exports and dealing a blow to Iraq's vital but beleaguered oil industry.

Threats against oil infrastructure during the recent conflict between US troops and Shiite Muslim fighters in the holy city of Najaf had helped force world oil prices to record highs.