QUETTA, Jan 3: Gas supply to the Sui plant from the field was affected as unknown people blew up a pipeline on Monday, while security forces arrested 24 suspected militants from Pir Koh area in Dera Bugti district on Wednesday.

According to official sources, unknown people planted an explosive device under a pipeline supplying gas to the Sui purification plant from the well No.41 and exploded it in the early hours of Monday.

“A portion of the eight-inch diameter pipeline was damaged and gas supply gas supply to the main plant from the well was suspended,” the sources said. However, they said supply from the plant had not been affected.

The sources said the affected pipeline would be repaired by Thursday.

Meanwhile, the security forces arrested 24 armed militants, including a commander, involved in attacks in Pir Koh area.

Sources said security personnel raided Zen Koh, Toba Nokhani and some other areas after receiving information about the presence of militants and arrested the suspects after exchange of fire.

“The Forces arrested an important commander, Ashraf Bugti, during the action,” the sources said, adding that a large number of rockets, AK-47 rifles, hand grenades, rocket launchers and explosives had been seized.

The security forces had destroyed several farari camps re-established by militants in the area.

The suspects were handed over to the authorities concerned for interrogation.

In Turbat, security forces seized 21 rockets, hand grenades and other weapons from a hideout in Koh Imam area. However, no arrest was reported.

BLASTS: Two powerful bomb explosions rocked Quetta and Nushki on Tuesday night.