Sunni insurgents have again delayed the renewal of
operations at a key Iraqi oil pipeline.
Insurgents bombed the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline in two attacks over the
weekend in a move expected to set back efforts to renew operations of the
facility. The pipeline, with a capacity of up to 1 million barrels per day,
carries oil from northern Iraq to the Turkish port at Ceyhan.
Officials said one blast was reported 80 kilometers from Kirkuk. The
pipeline was set ablaze. Another blast was reported on Sunday.
Iraqi and U.S. personnel responded to the bombings and have arrested
several people, including a tribal leader. Officials said the attacks could
delay renewal of operations for several weeks.
