Power blackout across Syria after explosion hits Arab Gas Pipeline

CAIRO - An explosion on the Arab Gas Pipeline that caused a power blackout in Syria on Monday was the result of a “terrorist” attack, state media cited the energy minister as saying.

Ikhbariya TV channel showed footage of a large fire after the explosion, which officials said occurred between the towns of Ad Dumayr and Adra, northwest of the capital of Damascus. The channel later said the fire had been extinguished.

“Assessments show that the explosion ... was the result of a terrorist attack,” state news agency SANA quoted Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Ali Ghanem as saying. He did not provide further detail.

The electricity minister earlier said that power was gradually being restored to the country’s provinces. A resident in Damascus said power had returned in the capital.

In 2013, much of Syria was hit by a power cut after rebel shelling hit a gas pipeline during the country’s civil war.

The Arab Gas Pipeline system extends from Egypt into Jordan and Syria.