Iraqi pipeline fire 'accidental'

Iraq has the world's third-biggest oil reserves

A fire which broke out at an Iraqi oil pipeline south of Baghdad injuring at least eight security guards was accidental, the US military has said.

The fire, near the town of Iskandiriya, disrupted the flow of crude oil to refineries in the south of Iraq. The military said it had been contained.

Initial Iraqi police reports said Friday's fire was caused by a bomb attack and blamed insurgents.

The pipeline is among many to have been targeted in the past by insurgents.

It carries fuel south from Baghdad's Doura oil refinery.

Iraq has the world's third-largest oil reserves, consisting of more than 115 billion barrels.