IRAK : More attacks target national grid

Azzaman, February 8, 2007

Saboteurs have destroyed five more pylons linking Baghdad to the power stations in Baiji in the north, the Ministry of Electricity said.

It is the second attack on the high voltage line in less than two weeks.

A ministry source said the latest attack has led to a total blackout in Baghdad. The resulting outage has covered other parts of the country, the source said.

Power shortages have worsened since the 2003 U.S. invasion. The authorities blame sabotage.

The ministry source, refusing to be named, said the attack came as ministry technicians and engineers were working hard to improve power supply to Baghdad and other southern cities.

The ministry has said there will be no improvement in the level of power supply unless the authorities quell violence.

Baghdad is almost plunged into total blackout day and night and most people rely on private generators.

Lack of electricity has aggravated the current fuel crisis and led to a hike in the prices of essential commodities.

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