Militants blow up gas pipeline in Pakistan

A pipeline, carrying natural gas, was blown up in Balochistan's Dera Bugti district, south west of Pakistan, disrupting the gas-supply to the Sui plant from well number 15 in Pir Koh gas field. A Levies official said that unidentified miscreants had planted an explosive device on the 16 inch-diameter pipeline in Pir Koh gas field. The device detonated with a huge bang causing extensive damage to the gas pipeline, he added. The supply of natural gas from well number 15 to the Sui plant was suspended as a result of the blast. Authorities said the repair work of the pipeline would begin once a security clearance was granted. Sabotage of gas pipelines is a characteristic tactic of tribal militants and is frequently witnessed in Balochistan. A similar attack was carried out last week, where the pipeline supplying natural gas to Sui purification plant from well number 41 of Pir Koh gas-field was blown up. Earlier on January 11, an 18-inch Sui gas pipeline was blown up by unknown miscreants in the Dera Murad Jamali area of Balochistan. Source: QNA