Police believe a group of militant environmentalists is behind the latest bombings of oil and gas equipment in northwestern Alberta, Canada. A gas well and installation facility belonging to Alberta Energy Co. were damaged in separate explosions in the Beaverlodge area, 560 kilometres northwest of Edmonton. Total damage has been estimated at $20,000. No one was hurt, but injury or death is inevitable if the attacks continue, says Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sgt. Don MacKay. He is convinced the perpetrators are trying to protect the Peace Rivers natural resources. "The reality is these are the actions of perverse people and criminal minds. The environment is just an excuse to satisfy an evil and self-serving bent."

County officials are so concerned they are discussing asking police to establish an anti-terrorist squad. No one claimed responsibility for the Alberta bombings or for the more than 100 previous acts of sabotage, including well damage, roadblocks, nails on roads and pipes punctured by drills, that have occurred over the past two years. While denying responsibility for the attacks, some in the area haven't denounced them. "It's good to see somebody taking action," said farmer Ben Ludwig, whose relatives have repeatedly criticized nearby gas drilling, saying it harms their health and crops. Ludwig's brother was convicted of trying to vandalize a gas well. His father was convicted of mischief after he dumped oil on the carpet at Alberta Energy's offices.

Alberta Energy spokesman Dick Wilson said extra security, damage and lost production has cost his company more than $1 million over the past two years. He didn't know if they would share the cost of an anti-terrorist squad. "But we'd be more than pleased to support any initiative that ends these incidents and brings those responsible to justice," Wilson said.