Baloch rebels reject army claims

Tribal rebels in Pakistan's Balochistan province have denied claims that Pakistani troops killed 31 of their fighters in attacks this week.

Some rebels had been injured in the clashes and security forces had now withdrawn from the Dera Bugti area, spokesmen for the tribesmen said.

They had no news of any deaths and said several helicopters had been damaged - claims the authorities have denied.

Tribesmen want greater control of the poor but gas-rich province.

'Energy hub'

The authorities reported the deaths of the tribesmen after they said they had intercepted communications between the tribesmen following attacks on militant hideouts in the south-western province.

Troops, backed by helicopter gunships, found a cache of arms and ammunition at the compound in the tribal district of Dera Bugti, they added.

Those killed were said to be supporters of tribal leader Nawab Akbar Bugti.

Rebel tribesmen have been accused of attacking officials and government buildings as well as blowing up gas pipelines in the province.

The government is pumping millions of dollars into Balochistan with the aim of turning it into a regional economic and energy hub.

It has also been building military garrisons to secure the investments, which officials say will bring development to the people.

But many Baloch resent the growing presence of the armed forces - seen as imposing Islamabad's agenda - and support for the tribal rebels is growing, correspondents say.