Attacks targeting Iraq power sector

BAGHDAD, April 9 (UPI) -- Iraq's electricity sector continues to be a target as violence in Baghdad takes aim at power plants.

A power plant in Sadr City, the poor neighborhood and Shiite stronghold of Moqtada Sadr, was reportedly attacked, according to the Al Mashriq newspaper.

"An unknown number of mortar shells struck the electric power station on Falah Street in Sadr City," a source in the Iraqi Police told the newspaper. "These mortars were launched from Sadr City toward this plant. The power plant was damaged and civil defense teams are trying to extinguish the fire."

The Baghdad Operations Command told Mashriq there are no reported casualties from the attacks, but four were injured.

This comes as attacks in Ninewa province in the north damaged power transmission lines over the weekend, Azzaman reports. Generating stations near the Mosul dam were shut after the bombings.

The Voice of Iraq news agency reports seven electricity workers were kidnapped also Saturday in the Tal al-Rahib village.

Iraq's power sector is a frequent target of the insurgency, aimed at cutting off and harming vital infrastructure. The oil sector, especially the northern oil pipeline from Kirkuk to Turkey, is also targeted.

Iraqis have seen an increase in electricity over the past year, according to the U.S. State Department.

While there are widespread complaints of unequal distribution and unreliable electricity availability, the department's Iraq Weekly Status Report said supply is currently 8 percent higher than last year, though demand has increased 23 percent.