Balochistan: Gas pipeline destroyed in Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistani forces suffer losses in Kech

QUETTA: A main pipeline supplying gas to industries, gas stations and domestic consumers in central Punjab was blown up in Rahim Yar Khan early Wednesday.

According to details, Baloch fighters have blown up the 36-inch gas pipeline with timed explosives at Bhong area of Sadiqabad disrupting supply to several cities including Multan city of Punjab, Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Sarbaz Baloch, the spokesperson Baloch Republican Army (BRA) has accepted the responsibility of targeting the gas pipeline in Rahim Yar Khan.

The BRA spokesperson said that last year in December, ‘our fighters tried to destroy the same pipeline but we could not succeed but this time we successfully destroyed it.’

He added, ‘the natural sources of Balochistan are the national wealth of Baloch nation and stop the loot and plunder of our resources we can target them anywhere in Pakistan.’

The Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Ltd (SNGPL) Muhammad Shoaib told Dawn news that nearly 40 to 50 blasts have taken place in the area since 2002.

He also confirmed that last month ‘terrorists had fixed an explosive device’ at the RLNG pipeline near Sadiq canal in Sardar Garh but security guards had intervened in a timely manner and removed the bomb.

Sarbaz Baloch further said that yesterday Pakistani forces backed with gunship helicopter tried surrounded Baloch fighters in Mazan Band region of Tump in district Kech Balochistan.

However, BRA fighters, he said, succeeded in breaking the security forces siege during which heavy gun exchange of firing took place.

He claimed that several Pakistan troops were killed and wounded as a result of fierce firing whereas the BRA fighters escaped unhurt.

‘After the gun battle, the Pakistani forces attacked civilian populations which resulted in damages in the area.’

Sarbaz Baloch vowed the Baloch Republican Army (BRA) will continue such activities till freedom and sovereignty of Balochistan.