Minister: Explosion on Arab Gas Pipeline was a terrorist attack

An explosion on the Arab Gas Pipeline has caused a power blackout in Syria and initial indications point to an attack, Report says, citing RIA Novosti.

"Initial indications are this was a terrorist attack," Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Ali Ghanem told Ikhbariya, adding that the pipeline feeds power stations in the south. He said technical teams were already on the ground.

The minister added that the explosion occurred between the suburbs of Al-Dhumayr and Adra and caused a drop in gas supply to power stations.

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.