Iraqi oil infrastructure hit by string of insurgent attacks

BAGHDAD, Feb 16 (AFP) - Four Iraqi oil pipelines were hit by insurgent attacks early Wednesday morning, said the oil ministry.
"The pipeline carrying crude from Kirkuk oilfields to Baiji refinery was sabotaged near Fatha as well as another pipeline supplying the same refinery," the ministry said.
The oil-rich area surrounding Kirkuk lies around 250 kilometres (160 miles) north of Baghdad.
Another pipeline carrying oil from the north to Dura refinery in Baghdad was sabotaged in the same area, the ministry said, adding that oil had spilt into the Tigris River.
The ministry blamed the sabotage on "terrorist groups".
A fourth pipeline was sabotaged in the Bajwan area, northwest of Kirkuk, the ministry added.
"Teams of firefighters have begun to tackle the fires caused by the sabotage and technical teams have begun to evaluate the damage with the aim of beginning repairs."
According to the Iraqi government, persistent attacks on the country's oil resources have caused losses of between seven and eight billion dollars in much-needed oil export revenue.

02/16/2005 16:14 GMT - AFP