A Pakistani fire fighter tries to extinguish the burning NATO oil tanker following an attack in Rawalpindi near Islamabad, Pakistan, Oct. 4, 2010. [Xinhua] |
Following the attacks, Pakistan Taliban claimed the responsibility and threatened more attacks on NATO convoys if NATO did not stop its air strikes over the Pakistani territory.
On Thursday, two NATO helicopters shelled a check post of the Pakistani army in Kurram agency in the country's northwest tribal area which borders Afghanistan, killing three border soldiers and injuring three others.
The incident has caused a strong protest from the Pakistani government which has not only sought explanation, apology and compensation for the incursion from the NATO side, but also ordered a blockade of the NATO convoys which supply goods to the U. S.-led NATO troops in Afghanistan via the land route of Pakistan, leaving hundreds of NATO trucks stuck on the road heading towards Afghanistan.
It is reported that nearly 70 percent of NATO supplies and 40 percent of its fuel are being shipped to Afghanistan via Pakistan. The blockade of the NATO convoys by the Pakistani government seems to have exercised an influence on the NATO side. It is reported by local media on Sunday that the blockade which has entered its fourth day is likely to end very soon, indicating a deal might have been clinched among the various parties concerned.
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