Iraq blames coalition aircraft for refinery fire

BAGHDAD Jan 15 (Reuters) - A huge blaze at the Shuaiba oil refinery in southern Iraq on Tuesday was sparked by a U.S.-led coalition forces helicopter, Iraqi Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani said in a statement.

"The first report indicates that the fire at the refinery was caused by the hovering of a coalition forces helicopter above the refinery. This caused the eruption of a huge fire and a loss of a huge quantity of gas," Shahristani said.

He did not say how the helicopter started the fire. Such aircraft often discharge flares to thwart ground attacks.

(Editing by Anthony Barker)

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