By Shayne R. Burnham
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – Approximately two weeks ago, Taliban militants destroyed 11 trucks and 13 NATO containers in Peshawar, marking their sixth attack in 13 days.  In total, about 400 containers containing military supplies have been destroyed.

This region is home to one of a few lawless tribal districts that provide security to the Khyber Pass, a crucial trade route.  However, security has deteriorated with the rising power of the Taliban, particularly Hakimullah Mehsud, commander and lieutenant of Baitullah Mehsud, leader of the main Pakistani Taliban faction.

Pakistani citizens add to the deterioration of security by protesting U.S. missile attacks in their country and expressing sympathy towards Taliban insurgents.  Furthermore, some state that the government is doing little to stop the militants.

Kifayatullah Jan, manager at Port World Logistics, a contractor that has been ferrying NATO supplies, stated, “For us it may mean we close shop. We can’t do business if the government cannot provide us protection.”  Jan further stated that his company receives threats from Taliban militants to “stop transporting supplies to the Americans or face the consequences.”

Mahmood Shah, a retired Pakistani Army brigadier formerly in charge of security in the western tribal regions, said the government had the manpower to drive militants out of Khyber but had mounted only a weak response.  He said, “You have the chance to wake up, but if you don’t wake up now, there is a good chance you won’t wake up at all.”

Currently, the constant attacks have caused NATO to seek alternative routes through bordering nations.  NATO intends to deploy an additional 60,000 troops and tactics that include empowering the local tribes in the area to provide further security over the Khyber Pass.

For more information, please see:

Asia Times Online – Another Blow to NATO’s Supplies – 16 December 2008

International Herald Tribune – Taliban Choking a Vital NATO Supply Line – 25 December 2008

Reuters – NATO to Engage Afghanistan Tribes in Taliban Fight – 22 December 2008

Telegraph.co.uk – Khyber Pass:  Crucial for Trade and Invasion – 7 December 2008