Militants torch NATO supply containers in Peshawar

Pro-Taliban militants destroyed about 20 containers with supplies meant for coalition forces in Afghanistan during an attack on a transport terminal in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar, an official said.

The militants fired several rockets at the terminal in the Ring Road area on the outskirts of Peshawar, destroying at least 20 containers and some other vehicles.

Local residents said the militants and security forces exchanged fire though there were no reports of casualties. The assailants fled after the attack, police said.

Nearly 300 supply trucks, trailers and containers were destroyed during attacks on terminals in Peshawar in December last year. Around 70 per cent of supplies for NATO forces in Afghanistan are transported via Pakistan.

Supply convoys are regularly targeted by militants in Peshawar and the nearby Khyber tribal region, through which the main highway connecting Pakistan and Afghanistan passes.

The US has struck deals with Russia and some Central Asian states for alternate supply routes.