Rebels blow up gas pipeline in Pakistan

The pre-dawn blast damaged the main pipeline in the Loti gas field, 450km southeast of the provincial capital Quetta, a gas company official said.

The official, who requested anonymity, said the attack affected supplies to local consumers. He blamed rebels, who are fighting for greater autonomy and a share of profits from the region's natural resources.

Sunday's attack was the fourth on gas pipelines in the province this month.

Baluchistan has seen nearly two years of attacks on pipelines, railway tracks and government installations.

Officials say hundreds of people have died since the unrest erupted in late 2004.