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Pakistan Cracks Open Afghan Supply Route

Crucial Khyber Pass has been shut for anti-Taliban campaign

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 2, 2009 5:38 PM CST

(Newser) – Pakistan allowed traffic to cross the Khyber Pass today for 6 hours after closing it to help fight the Taliban, the New York Times reports. But analysts say that once the offensive is over, guerrillas who fled the area will simply return to the pass, a crucial supply route for NATO troops in Afghanistan. US forces dependent on the route are looking for alternatives as Washington plans to as much as double troops in Afghanistan next year.

“As our comfort zone increases, we will be easing off on the restriction of movement,” a local official said. “Right now, we are still in the middle of active operations.”

Map locates the Khyber Pass in Pakistan, which was reopened Friday.
Map locates the Khyber Pass in Pakistan, which was reopened Friday.   (AP Photo)
Pakistani oil tankers carrying supplies for U.S. and NATO forces in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province wait for clearance to cross the Khyber Pass.
Pakistani oil tankers carrying supplies for U.S. and NATO forces in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province wait for clearance to cross the Khyber Pass.   (AP Photo)
Pakistani tanks arrive at the base camp in Jamrud, a town in  Pakistan's  Khyber tribal area.
Pakistani tanks arrive at the base camp in Jamrud, a town in Pakistan's Khyber tribal area.   (AP Photo)
Pakistani oil tankers carrying supplies for U.S. and NATO forces at the Khyber Pass.
Pakistani oil tankers carrying supplies for U.S. and NATO forces at the Khyber Pass.   (AP Photo)
Troops of Pakistan paramilitary forces pass through the Khyber pass through Pakistan's tribal area of Khyber near Peshawar on Monday, Nov. 17, 2008.
Troops of Pakistan paramilitary forces pass through the Khyber pass through Pakistan's tribal area of Khyber near Peshawar on Monday, Nov. 17, 2008.   (AP Photo/Mohammad Sajjad)
A Pakistani man is seen standing next to burnt trucks for U.S. and allied forces in Afghanistan after an attack by militants on the outskirts of Peshawar Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008.
A Pakistani man is seen standing next to burnt trucks for U.S. and allied forces in Afghanistan after an attack by militants on the outskirts of Peshawar Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008.   (AP Photo/Mohammad Sajjad)
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