Yemen LNG export pipeline bombed

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SANAA, Yemen, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- A pipeline tied to the only liquefied natural gas export facility in Yemen was a target of sabotage, its operator confirmed.

Operator Yemen LNG confirmed an explosion occurred late Tuesday about 530 miles north of the Balhaf export terminal.

"Yemen LNG confirms the sabotage of the 38-inch gas pipeline that links the block 18 to the Balhaf terminal on the Gulf of Aden," the company said in a statement.

Yemeni export infrastructure has been the frequent target of attacks since the start of a popular uprising against the government last year. Violence in Yemen has been attributed to fighters loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh and separately to al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula. Saleh stepped down in February.

Yemen LNG last reported the pipeline was attached in late September. The company hasn't faulted any particular group for the incidents. No return-to-service date was announced.

In June, the Yemeni Ministry of Oil said attacks on oil and natural gas infrastructure cost the country as much as $15 million per day in lost revenue.