Colombia's Cenit has reported five attacks on two oil pipes

Cenit is a subsidiary owned by Colombia's largest oil company Ecopetrol. On Monday, Cenit reported five attacks against the Cano Limon - Covenas - and Bicentenario - pipelines.

The company released a statement stating that three attacks had been carried out on Cano Limon-Covenas and two on Bicentenario. According to a spokesperson, exports were not affected.

The company stated that the attack was perpetrated by unknown attackers. The company said that guerrillas from the leftist movement in Colombia have attacked oil infrastructure at different times.

Cenit didn't give dates for all attacks, but local media reported that a thick column if smoke rose above a part of the Cano Limon - Covenas pipeline Monday. It added that the army was in the area to protect technical staff carrying out repairs.

Colombian pipelines are often targeted by criminal gangs that illegally siphon off oil to be used in clandestine refinement and the drug trade.

As part of the strategy to prevent oil theft, the Trasandino pipeline, which is the country's second major pipeline, was shut down late last year. It will remain closed until the end of 2024.

(source: Reuters)