Pakistan closes Afghan supply route
Supplies to foreign forces in Afghanistan cut as Islamabad begins military action.
Hayat confirmed Pakistani security forces had launched “an operation against militants and armed groups in Jamrud” – the gateway to the Khyber Pass.
‘Giant operation’
Pro-Taliban fighters have carried out a string of attacks in recent months aimed at choking off supplies transported to foreign forces in landlocked Afghanistan through northwest Pakistan.
Hundreds of Nato and US-led coalition vehicles were destroyed in a series of raids earlier this month.
“This is a giant operation. It will continue until we achieve our objective,” Hayat said, adding that the operation could be extended beyond the Jamrud region if deemed necessary.
Alongside putting a stop to attacks on Nato and US supply vehicles, Hayat said the operation had been launched to tackle a spate of kidnappings for ransom in the tribal belt that straddles the Pakistan-Afghan border.
Hayat said: “We have 26 targets, we will eliminate their [pro-Taliban and al-Qaeda fighters] hideouts.”
Two weeks ago, several haulage companies in Pakistan refused to undertake journeys along the 50km route, saying the security of their drivers could not be guaranteed.