Land mine explosion in Pakistan: 5 soldiers killed

A pickup truck carrying soldiers on a security patrol hit an anti-tank mine Wednesday in a volatile tribal region in southwestern Pakistan, injuring five soldiers, an official said.

Photo: Land mine explosion in Pakistan: 5 soldiers killed

The land mine went off on a dirt road in Dera Bugti, a tribal area about 300 kilometers (180 miles) southeast of Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan province, local government official Abdul Samad Lasi said.

The soldiers' injuries were not life threatening and they were taken to a hospital in the nearby town of Sui, he said.

No one claimed responsibility but Lasi blamed tribal militants who are suspected in frequent rocket attacks on security forces and gas fields in the area.

Authorities accuse rebel tribesmen for attacks against the government to press demands for an increase in royalties for resources extracted in their territories.

Authorities allege that the tribesmen plant land mines in the area to restrict movement of security forces who have been deployed to guard key gas fields in the rugged region.

Civilians have also been victims of the explosives. Earlier this month, at least 30 people were killed when an anti-tank land mine explosion hit a bus carrying guests for a wedding in Dera Bugti, reports the AP.

I.L.