Military

Militants torch NATO supply containers in Pakistan

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, March 15, IRNA -- Suspected militants torched containers transporting supply for Afghanistan-based allied forces in Pakistan’s northwest early Sunday, authorities said.

The containers were parked in the outskirts of Peshawar, the capital of northwest frontier province, when the militants struck the terminal.

Hundreds of supply trucks, trailers and containers were burnt at terminals in Peshawar, capital city of North West Frontier Province in December last year.

Officials said that the militants fired rockets at a terminal in the Ring Road neighborhood in Peshawar, destroying at least 20 containers and several other vehicles.

Locals said that the militants and security forces also exchanged fire but there was no report of casualty.

The assailants fled after the attack, police said.

Around 70 per cent supplies are transported to NATO forces in Afghanistan via Pakistan.

Supply containers are regularly targeted in Peshawar and Khyber Agency tribal region, which lies on main highway connecting Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The US has struck deal with Russia and some Central Asian states for alternate supply route.

**1420

End News / IRNA / News Code 399863