Gunmen attack NATO supply trucks in Pakistan

Pakistani authorities, angered by repeated incursions by NATO helicopters from Afghanistan, last week blocked a supply route for the troops in Afghanistan. The latest attack on fuel tankers took place along another route.

NATO incursions and the border closure have raised tensions between the United States and Pakistan, whose long alliance has often been strained.

Fourteen gunmen in two pickup trucks opened fire on the tankers, destroying five and killing a driver, following attacks on other tankers claimed by Taliban militants on Sunday. One person was killed.

The bulk of supplies for the foreign forces in Afghanistan moves through Pakistan which is itself battling a deadly homegrown Taliban insurgency.

Analysts say supply routes to Afghanistan give Pakistan leverage over the United States' war efforts in Afghanistan, although Pakistan often cites security concerns as reasons for closures, China Daily reports.

See www.chinadaily.com.cn