A BOMB STRUCK AN OIL PIPELINE IN NORTHERN IRAQ ON MONDAY, SETTING IT ON FIRE, BUT THE ATTACK WAS NOT EXPECTED TO AFFECT EXPORTS, OFFICIALS SAID. THE PIPELINE THAT WAS ATTACKED WAS PUMPING OIL TO FILTER STATIONS IN KIRKUK, 290 KILOMETERS (180 MILES) NORTH OF BAGHDAD, FOR EXPORT TO CEYHAN, TURKEY, SAID POLICE BRIG. SARHAT QADIR, WHO OVERSEES SECURITY FOR THE CITY'S OUTSKIRTS. HE SAID THE EXPLOSION OCCURRED AT 5 A.M. IN BYE HASSAN, 65 KILOMETERS (40 MILES) SOUTHEAST OF KIRKUK. FIREFIGHTERS ON THE SCENE WERE OPTIMISTIC THEY COULD EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES BY THE EVENING, QADIR WAS QUOTED AS SAYING BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS. 03/07/2006 15:11 ت م
