Iraqi Administration: Oil pipeline was blown up by saboteurs

Representatives of the American administration of Iraq said that the fire on the oil pipeline, through which Iraqi oil is delivered to Turkey, was the result of sabotage. It is reported by the BBC. The fire on the oil pipeline occurred in the city of Baiji, located north of Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit. According to Iraqi Oil Minister Tamir Ghadban, the explosive device was detonated by "unknown perpetrators."

The oil pipeline, which started operating a few days ago, was experiencing serious technical problems: some officials said sections of the worn-out system could not withstand the pressure of the oil. Meanwhile, the supply of oil is a key element in financing the program for the post-war reconstruction of Iraq. Currently, fuel is exported only through the Persian Gulf port of Basra in the south of the country.