Yemen oil pipeline hit for second time in 10 days

A file picture taken on June 12, 2012 shows black smoke billowing into the sky after Yemeni tribesmen destroyed an oil pipeline in the eastern province of Marib. Tribesmen have blown up the main export pipeline linking eastern oilfields to the Red Sea coast, halting the flow of oil. (AFP/File)

SANAA (AFP) – Yemeni tribesmen blew up the main export pipeline linking eastern oilfields to the Red Sea coast, halting the flow of oil, state media reported on Sunday.

The saboteurs attacked a section of pipeline in Wadi Abida, close to the oilfields in the eastern province of Marib, the state Saba news agency quoted an official it did not identify as saying.

The official said it was the "second act of sabotage by the same group in 10 days."

The attack interrupted the flow of oil along the 320 kilometre (200 mile) pipeline that links the Safer oilfields to the export terminal in Hodeida province on the coast.

In December, the army launched an offensive against tribesmen suspected of being behind the attacks, sparking clashes that left 17 people dead.

Impoverished Yemen produces about 300,000 barrels of oil per day, most of it for export.

According to official figures, lost production due to pipeline attacks in the east cost the government more than $1 billion in 2012, while oil exports fell by 4.5 percent.