Military

Pakistan stops 100 NATO tankers over security concern

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, July 23, IRNA -- Pakistani security forces on Thursday stopped some 100 NATO oil tankers in Khyber tribal region near the Afghan border over security concerns, officials said.

The tankers were stopped from entering Afghanistan in Jamrud area as customs officials in Afghanistan border region delayed clearance of the trucks entering Afghanistan, they said.

A long queue of the trucks is seen on the Afghan side of the border at Torkham and the authorities want clearance of the trucks already entered Afghanistan.

Hundreds of tankers and trucks, carrying oil and non-military goods for some 150,000 NATO troops, cross into Afghanistan from Pakistan daily under an agreement.

NATO trucks come under attack in Pakistan by the militants and the US has also signed agreement with Russia and some Central Asian states for alternate route.

Militants have extended attacks on NATO supplies trucks to other parts of Pakistan, including Islamabad.

Last month, around 60 NATO trucks were burnt in the first ever attack near Islamabad by the militants, which also killed at least six people.

Officials say that 70 per cent supplies are transported via Pakistan to Afghanistan for the NATO forces.

**1420

End News / IRNA / News Code 1241517