Suspected Pakistani rebels attack gas lines

QUETTA, Pakistan (Reuters) – Suspected rebels blew up a gas pipeline and electricity pylons in the gas-rich Pakistani province of Baluchistan as supporters of a rebel leader killed at the weekend prepared to hold prayers for him.

Nationalist rebels have waged a low-key insurgency for autonomy and a greater share of profits from Baluchistan’s resources for decades.

The Monday night attacks appeared to be the first by the rebels since veteran Baluch nationalist leader Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti was killed in a government assault on his cave hideout in remote hills on Saturday.

The attackers used high explosives to blow up the pipeline and power pylons outside the city of Qalat, cutting its gas and power supplies.

Reuters