Attacks on Mexico pipelines show extensive knowledge of energy infrastructure

Saboteurs who blew up natural gas pipelines that shut down one of Mexico’s main industrial regions this month also crippled a crude oil pipeline, U.S. officials said Tuesday.

The operation indicated extensive knowledge of Mexico’s energy infrastructure, the officials said.

Not only were oil and natural gas pipelines made targets, but also the bombers knew enough about energy installations to destroy the shutoff valves along several pipelines that allow for the wide national distribution of oil and natural gas.
In two communiques late last week, the Ejercito Popular Revolucionario (Popular Revolutionary Army) again claimed responsibility for the attacks and defended its decision to strike the state-owned oil company Petroleos Mexicanos. It called the July 5 and July 10 pipeline bombings self-defense and demanded the release of two missing members.

Mexico’s investigation into the explosions has largely been kept secret, and Mexican media accounts have been rife with conflicting information.

Kansas City