Militants bomb Pakistani gas pipeline

SUI, Pakistan, Jan. 18 (UPI) -- Militants in the southeastern Pakistani province of Baluchistan bombed a natural gas pipeline as residents grapple with a chilly winter.

Unknown assailants disrupted gas supplies in villages surrounding the city of Sui in Baluchistan province. Regional utility companies said repair work began Sunday, adding supplies would resume as soon as possible, Pakistan's The Nation reports.

Iran and Pakistan have expressed concerns about the security in the region along their shared border.

Unknown assailants fired rockets at the governor's mansion and an area hospital in Baluchistan province Jan. 6. Tehran, meanwhile, said Pakistani insurgents active in its bordering southeastern Sistan-Baluchistan province were creating mounting security concerns.

Iran's Press TV stressed the impact the pipeline explosion had on area residents. Tehran has pressed aggressively for a natural gas pipeline from the South Pars gas field to help Pakistan deal with a looming gas crisis.

The route for the pipeline, however, could pass through Baluchistan, creating concerns on both sides.

No group has claimed responsibility for the Sui pipeline attack.