Russia Qualifies Pipeline Explosion as ‘Deliberate Act’

The Russian General Prosecutor’s Office has initiated criminal case for “deliberate damage of property” over expositions that occurred at two gas pipelines in North Ossetia on Sunday, the Russian public broadcaster ORT and Interfax news agency reported.

According to the ORT television explosives have been found at the cite of explosion.

Explosives equivalent to 700-800 grams of TNT went off on both of the pipelines, Nikolai Shepel, the Russian Deputy General Prosecutor, told Interfax.

Interfax also reported that investigators suspect “extremist groups” operating in the North Caucasus behind this double blast.

Gas supply was suspended to Georgia and Armenian as a result of these explosions.