Militants attack gas pipeline in Egypt’s Sinai

An Egyptian security official says militants have blown up a gas pipeline in the country’s Sinai Peninsula that used to transport fuel to Israel.

The attack was the 15th on the pipeline since last year’s popular uprising that ousted long-time leader Hosni Mubarak. Previous bombings of the pipeline have been blamed on Islamist militants who have stepped up their activity in Sinai, taking advantage of a security vacuum caused by the thin police presence in the post-Mubarak era.

The official said Sunday’s blast did not cause major damage but set fire to a small quantity of gas left in the pipeline from when the flow was cut following a March attack. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to brief the media.