Sudanese minister: Opposition committed big mistake by blowing up petroleum pipeline

Sudanese Minister of Energy Awad Ahmed, who participated in demonstrations by Sudanese citizens against the opposition's attack against a Sudanese petroleum pipeline, said, "The opposition group named the Democratic National Alliance made a big mistake by hitting this resource, for the Sudanese people have been waiting to benefit from its revenues."

The opposition said hitting the pipeline was meant to deprive the Sudanese government of funds which help it remain in power and continue its war against the southern rebels.

Followers of El-Sadeq El-Mahdi, the former premier, denied that they are related to the explosion, which took place near Atbara city.

He also said that the four whom were summoned by the government, Abd El-Latig El-Gameawi, El-Fadel Hamad Diab, El-Fadel Adam Ismail and Ismail Adam, were previously summoned and that they have not been arrested, saying that this has nothing to do with followers of El-Sadeq El-Mahdi.