Gas pipeline blown up in Sinai

For the second time in two weeks the pipeline taking natural gas from Egypt to Jordan has been destroyed by unknown attackers to the east of El-Arish in North Sinai. The explosion was heard at dawn on Tuesday according to local media reports.

Witnesses said that a group of armed men in a 4X4 truck planted an explosive device beside the pipeline in Al-Kharouba. A large fire resulted from the explosion, which was the second since the coup overthrew President Mohamed Morsi two weeks ago.

Commentators believe that the attack on the pipeline is a protest against the visit by King Abdullah II of Jordan, who has offered his support to the coup government in Cairo.