Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The opposition has reported the bombing of the main oil
pipeline of Saudi Arabia.

The opposition Institute for Gulf Affairs said an explosion on March 1
destroyed the main pipeline that supplied oil to Ras Tanura in the Qatif
province.

The province contains a large Shi’ite population that has been
battling Saudi authorities over the last year.

“Today’s attack in Qatif exposes the fragility of the energy
infrastructure within Saudi Arabia,” institute analyst Jessica Koontz said. “The Saudi government has been remiss to further harden security around these vital pipelines.”

The Washington-based institute said the pipeline transports six million barrels of oil per day from Abqaiq to Ras Tanura for export to Asian and Western markets.

Witnesses in Qatif said the explosion resulted in flames that shot more than 17 meters in the air.

Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil producer, has not confirmed the bombing.

The institute said it could not determine whether the explosion was the result of an attack or an accident.

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