NATO supply truckers demand security before resumption

Jul 04, 2012 |

Islamabad

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NATO truckers late on Tuesday welcomed Pakistan's decision to reopen supply lines into Afghanistan but said they feared Taliban attacks, demanding security guarantees before the resumption.

Mir Mohammad Yousuf Shahwani, head of the largest oil tanker owners association in Pakistan, said that supply trucks and tankers could be en route in "days" but insisted they needed protection first.

"It is a sudden decision but even then we can start supplies in days. The thing is, who will protect us," Shahwani said.

"We need security, we need protection. Taliban have killed dozens of our drivers and torched hundreds of vehicles," he added.

Pakistani Taliban have carried out dozens of attacks, disrupting supplies for 130,000 US-led international troops fighting in Afghanistan, and have repeatedly warned of more if Pakistan reopened supply routes.

Pakistan closed its Afghan border crossings to NATO convoys on November 26 after botched US air strikes killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.

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