West African country, Niger has confirmed that rebels damaged an oil pipeline carrying crude oil to neighbouring country Benin. The Patriotic Liberation Front, which is fighting for the release of former president Mohamed Bazoum, who was overthrown in a coup last July, said it was behind the attack earlier this week. It has threatened to target oil installations and called on the Chinese companies that run the pipeline to end their support for the military regime.
It is the latest setback to hit the newly opened 2,000 km pipeline between Niger and Benin. State media said the “malicious individuals” who had sabotaged part of the pipeline would be apprehended and prosecuted.
Disclaimer: This press release is sourced from News On AIR, Prasar Bharti and Press Information Bureau India (PIB).
