SUSPECTED Kurdish rebels blew up a pipeline carrying natural gas from Iran to Turkey, forcing the shutdown of the conduit, officials said today.
The powerful blast occurred overnight at a section of the pipeline near the eastern Turkish town of Dogubayazit, in Agri province, several kilometres from the Iranian border, a local official said by telephone, without giving other details.
"The explosion is believed to have been carried out by members of the separatist terrorist organisation," Agri Governor Ali Yerlikaya said, referring to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
Security forces were looking for the perpetrators, said the statement, carried by Anatolia news agency.
Television footage showed a large blaze raging over the pipeline after the blast which Anatolia said shattered the windows of nearby buildings.
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