Four NATO tankers attacked in Pakistan, 1 killed

Four NATO tankers attacked in Pakistan, 1 killed

2011-03-17 07:38:56 GMT+7 (ICT)

BALOCHISTAN, PAKISTAN (BNO NEWS) -- Four NATO tankers were attacked in the western region of Pakistan, killing one driver and injuring another, local media reported Wednesday.

The attacks occurred in the Ghuaja Dhori area of Mastung, Balochistan, when a group of unidentified gunmen opened fire against the tankers. The attack caused the tankers to catch fire, killing one of the drivers and causing thousands of liters of oil to spill.

Foreign troops in Afghanistan commonly receive supplies and equipment through Pakistan, and attacks against NATO trucks and tankers are not uncommon.

In January, a previous report by Pakistan's Express Tribune said the Pakistani government went on to offer a comprehensive plan to protect the shipments to the Chaman border, requiring NATO to provide four vehicles and monthly salaries for 16 security guards. However, while British diplomats agreed, NATO officials rejected the plan without citing any reason, the report said.

A Pakistani government official explained that NATO had hired private security firms to protect shipments, but the private guards would flee whenever the convoys were attacked.

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