Bomb Hits Egypt Gas Pipeline

Explosion stops flow of gas to Israel, Jordan
By Mark Russell,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 4, 2011 8:28 AM CDT
Bomb Hits Egypt Gas Pipeline
Flames rise after an explosion in Egypt, 30 miles from the border with Israel, early today. Unidentified assailants blew up the pipeline that carries gas to Israel and Jordan, starting a fire and disrupting the flow of the gas.   (AP Photo)

An Egyptian pipeline that supplies gas to Israel and Jordan was rocked by an explosion today, sending flames into the air and sparking a fire that burned for seven hours, cutting off the supply of gas, the BBC reports. Officials say two pickup trucks pulled up to the pumping station; men carrying assault rifles reportedly forced the three security guards on duty to leave before placing the explosives and shooting the pipeline's valves to release the gas, reports the AP. It is the third attack on a pipeline in the region since February.

Israel gets about 40% of its gas from Egypt, while Jordan depends on Egyptian gas for 80% of its electricity. (More Israel stories.)

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