Damascus Says 'Terrorist Attack' on Gas Pipeline Causes Power Outage across Syria
An attack by rebels near Damascus has caused a power outage across Syria, state news agency SANA quoted the electricity minister as saying.
"A terrorist attack on a gas pipeline that feeds a power station in the south has led to a power outage in the provinces, and work to repair it is in progress," Emad Khamis said.
Earlier on Wednesday, Syrian activists said blazes erupted and blasts were heard near the Damascus International Airport.
And the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said "flames were seen in the al-Ghassouleh area near the airport and the sounds of blasts were heard."
"Preliminary reports said the area was shelled by rebel brigades, which led to the explosion of the gas pipeline," it added.
An Agence France Presse journalist in Damascus said he could see from a distance a huge fire blazing near the airport, which is located near the affected power station.
He also confirmed power was out in the capital.
The Observatory reported outages in several areas of the country, including Aleppo in the north and Homs in the center.
"It is likely this was a large-scale operation planned well in advance," said Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman.
In September, a similar outage was caused after a high voltage power line was sabotaged.
Source: Agence France Presse, Naharnet
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