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Taliban Torch 50 Trucks in NATO Supply Convoy

Attack calls into question Pakistan supply route

By Jane Yager,  Newser Staff | Suggested by Disillusioned

Posted Jun 9, 2010 8:20 AM CDT

(Newser) – In a bold attack on the allied military supply chain in Afghanistan, Taliban gunmen last night torched a convoy of 50 NATO supply trucks in Pakistan, killing at least seven people. The gunmen ambushed the convoy on the outskirts of Islamabad, killed drivers and security guards, then set the vehicles on fire. While western supply convoys are often attacked near the Afghanistan border, yesterday's ambush was the first in the vicinity of the Pakistani capital.

The assault sparked scrutiny of the security situation in Islamabad, where the Taliban stepped up their offensive last year. Currently, more than 75% of military supplies for western troops in Afghanistan pass through Pakistan. Militant attacks along this route have prompted the US to consider alternative trucking routes through Central Asia, though these would likely entail negotiations with Russia, the Guardian reports.

Pakistani drivers and local residents gather next to burnt trucks torched by suspect militants in an attack on early Wednesday, June 9, 2010 in Sangjani, near Islamabad, Pakistan.
Pakistani drivers and local residents gather next to burnt trucks torched by suspect militants in an attack on early Wednesday, June 9, 2010 in Sangjani, near Islamabad, Pakistan.   (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
Local residents examine burnt trucks torched by suspect militants in an attack on early Wednesday, June 9, 2010 in Sangjani, near Islamabad, Pakistan.
Local residents examine burnt trucks torched by suspect militants in an attack on early Wednesday, June 9, 2010 in Sangjani, near Islamabad, Pakistan.   (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
Pakistani police officers examine a burnt truck torched by suspected militants in an attack early Wednesday, June 9, 2010, in Sangjani near Islamabad, Pakistan.
Pakistani police officers examine a burnt truck torched by suspected militants in an attack early Wednesday, June 9, 2010, in Sangjani near Islamabad, Pakistan.   (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
Pakistani drivers examine burnt trucks torched by suspect militants in an attack on early Wednesday, June 9, 2010 in Sangjani, near Islamabad, Pakistan.
Pakistani drivers examine burnt trucks torched by suspect militants in an attack on early Wednesday, June 9, 2010 in Sangjani, near Islamabad, Pakistan.   (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
A firefighter sprays water on a burning truck torched by suspected militants in an attack, early Wednesday, June 9, 2010, in Sangjani near Islamabad, Pakistan.
A firefighter sprays water on a burning truck torched by suspected militants in an attack, early Wednesday, June 9, 2010, in Sangjani near Islamabad, Pakistan.   (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
People walk in front of a burnt truck torched by suspect militants in an attack on early Wednesday, June 9, 2010 in Sangjani, near Islamabad, Pakistan.
People walk in front of a burnt truck torched by suspect militants in an attack on early Wednesday, June 9, 2010 in Sangjani, near Islamabad, Pakistan.   (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
sirgil
Jun 10, 2010 12:46 PM CDT
The Pakis are the only ones who can solve this BS, the Talis have and always will be who they are and what they believe, they will not be reformed leaving only one other choice, ext____ination, as a civilization gone from the planet, pure evil.
Ultraworld
Jun 10, 2010 11:46 AM CDT
We need to do some above ground nuclear testing.
artemis11
Jun 9, 2010 11:36 PM CDT
typical Democrats

 
Afghanistan • Russia • NATO • Taliban • Pakistan • Islamabad • military convoy

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