A powerful chieftain threatened armed resistance on Tuesday if the government uses force to tame rebel tribesmen amid an "alarming" situation in the country's restive south-west. "The situation in Balochistan is alarming and there could be an armed resistance if a military option is opted, which I can see coming soon," Nawab Akbar Bugti told a telephone press conference from an unknown location. "Baloch people may die in large number but there can be casualties on the other side as well," he said.

His warning came as suspected tribal rebels blew up an electricity pylon near the town of Sibi, 110km south-east of Quetta on Monday, officials said. The power line was not broken.

Four rockets also landed near a paramilitary camp in Kohlu district 230km, east of Quetta on Monday but there were no casualties or damage, according to police.

Meanwhile, paramilitary troops seized four rockets, four bombs, detonators, fuses and 27 kilograms (59 pounds) of explosives south-west of Quetta on Monday night, an official of the Frontier Corps said.

No one claimed responsibility for the latest attacks.

Bugti reiterated his demand for the arrest of an army officer allegedly involved in the rape of the doctor.

"The army is trying to protect their man, because he is related to an army general, but he is a key suspect and should be arrested," he said.

At least three people have already been arrested in connection with the rape, according to officials.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2005