Mexico confirms attacks on pipelines

MEXICO CITY – Mexico’s government on Tuesday called a series of gas pipeline explosions a threat to the nation’s democratic institutions and vowed to step up security after a guerrilla group claimed responsibility for the blasts.

The Interior Department said it would take measures to protect “strategic installations” across Mexico after an explosion Tuesday at a pipeline run by the state-owned Petroleos Mexicanos, or Pemex, and two other blasts that rocked gas ducts on Thursday.


“The Mexican government categorically condemns the attacks against Pemex facilities. This criminal conduct aims to weaken democratic institutions, the patrimony of Mexicans and the safety of their families,” the statement said.

While officials said investigations were continuing into the cause of the blasts, the statement by the Interior Department