Attacks by Yemeni tribes force oil firm to suspend operations

Special to WorldTribune.com

LONDON — Anti-government tribes have disrupted Yemen’s energy sector.

Yemeni tribesmen pose a threat to DNO installations.  /Reuters/Scanpix
Norway’s DNO says tribesmen pose a threat to their installations in Yemen. /Reuters/Scanpix

A leading European contractor has suspended operations at two crude oil
blocks in southern Yemen. Norway’s DNO, which informed the Yemeni Oil
Ministry, said it could not operate amid attacks by tribes in such areas as
Howarime and Hood.

In a statement on June 24, the Norwegian company said Blocks 32 and 43
produced a total of 1,600 barrels per day. DNO said it has been unable to
reach these areas since late 2013 because of blockades by tribes. On June
22, labor unions called a strike that prompted a decision to stop
production.

“The declaration of force majeure has been made in accordance with the
provisions of the production sharing contracts for these blocks and suspends
DNO’s obligations until the impediments to safe, secure and sustained
operations are removed,” the company, which also operates in Iraq, Oman,
Somalia and Tunisia, said.

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