Gunmen Attack Nato Supply Trucks In Pakist

[News_Editor]

PARACHINAR, PAKISTAN (BNO NEWS) -- Six people were killed in northwestern Pakistan on Monday when a group of unidentified gunmen opened fire at container trucks carrying supplies to NATO-led troops in Afghanistan, officials said. Several other people were injured in the attack.

The attack happened when as many as 20 gunmen attacked at least four container trucks in the Shagai area of Khyber Agency, not far from the town of Landi Kotal and about 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the border with Afghanistan. Supply trucks heading for Afghanistan are frequently targeted by militants in the region.

Police said the gunmen used both small arms and mortar shells to attack the trucks, setting two of them ablaze. Geo TV reported that the attack resulted in a 30-minute firefight between the gunmen and security forces, but the assailants were able to flee the scene and disappeared into the mountainous region.

Monday's attack resulted in the deaths of at least six people, including several truck drivers and their helpers, while three other people were injured. The frequent attacks on trucks carrying supplies for troops have led the NATO alliance to rely on other supply routes, including through countries north of Afghanistan.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for Monday's attack.

(Copyright 2013 by BNO News B.V. All rights reserved. Info: [email protected].)