In a surprise attack, on Friday afternoon, unknown assailants blew up a crude oil transport pipeline in the Kilo 65 area east of the city of Ataq in Shabwa Governorate, and led to the cessation of pumping crude oil to Sector 4 and Al-Nashima in the governorate.

Local sources reported that the explosion occurred in a remote desert area, causing a massive fire in the pipe. No human injuries were announced as a result of the accident.

Fire teams are currently working to extinguish the fire, while security authorities have begun investigating the circumstances of the accident and identifying the perpetrators.

This incident is the second of its kind within a week, as a crude oil transport pipeline was blown up in the Asilan area in Shabwa Governorate last Tuesday.