Turkey-Iran gas pipeline blown up in Agri province

The Turkey-Iran natural gas pipeline has been blown up in eastern Turkey’s Agri province, Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz said late Monday.

According to a statement released by the Turkish Energy Ministry, Yildiz said that the suspected sabotage attack took place 15 kilometers inside the country's eastern border with Iran.

"The explosion caused a fire breakout; however in a short time we managed to extinguish it. After repairing it, the gas flow will resume," he said.

"We have taken measures to meet the natural gas demand in the area. Turkish citizens and industrialists should be at ease," he added.

Tehran increased gas deliveries to Turkey by one billion cubic meters of gas per year during 2014. Iran, Russia and Azerbaijan export about 10 billion cubic meters per year, 27 billion cubic meters and 6.6 billion cubic meters of gas per year to Turkey respectively.

The statement added that the power line between Cizre and Silopi districts of southeastern Sirnak province had been attacked on July 24.