Bahrain Accuses 'Iran-Linked Terrorists' of Sabotage on Oil Pipeline

Bahrain has stated that the explosion and fire on the country's main oil pipeline on Friday was a 'sabotage' act carried out by 'terrorists' linked to Iran. Reuters reported this on Saturday (November 20) citing Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Bahrain's Minister of Interior. The Minister mentioned that existing 'evidence' indicates 'sabotage' on the oil pipeline targeting Bahrain's 'national interests' and the 'safety' of its people. In Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa's statement, it was noted that this explosion is 'the latest example of terrorist actions by terrorists who are directly connected to Iran and are directed by Iran.' Early Saturday, media reported an explosion and fire on Bahrain's main oil pipeline, which officials claimed to have contained and are managing the situation. Bahraini officials did not provide an explanation regarding the cause of the explosion and did not name any suspects in this regard. The explosion occurred near the village of 'Buri,' 15 kilometers from Manama, the capital of Bahrain, and reports indicate that the area has been evacuated for security reasons. Bahrain meets a significant portion of its oil needs from the Abu Saafa field, which is also jointly operated with Saudi Arabia. Oil is transported to Bahrain through a 55-kilometer pipeline with a daily capacity of 230,000 barrels. According to Reuters, a new oil pipeline with a capacity of 350,000 barrels per day is set to be established between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia next year. Since the crackdown on Shia protests in Bahrain in 2011, militia groups have carried out operations against security forces in the country, which Manama attributes to Tehran. Iran has consistently denied any involvement in the affairs of Bahrain and other Arab countries in the Persian Gulf. Bahrain is a country with a Shia majority but has a Sunni-dominated government.