Paying A Protection Racket For Shipping Needed Supplies To Afghanistan

Khyber Pass

Pakistani Elders Vow to Protect Vital Khyber Pass
-- New York Times

LANDIKOTAL, Pakistan (Reuters) - Ethnic Pashtun tribal elders in Pakistan have promised to ensure security for supplies trucked through the Khyber Pass bound for foreign forces in Afghanistan, a government official said on Tuesday.

The Khyber Pass is a vital artery for supplies for U.S. and other foreign forces in landlocked Afghanistan and militants have been attacking trucks and tankers carrying military equipment and fuel.

According to transport companies, more than 20 trucks hauling containers and a dozen oil-tankers have been attacked in the region since June and some drivers have been kidnapped and killed.

Tahab Khan, a senior government official in the Khyber region, said elders had signed an agreement with authorities on Monday to ensure the safety of supplies.

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My Comment: I am curious on how much money is being paid to this protection racket. But having said that .... if these payments guarantee the safety of the supplies and saves lives, these payments will probably be worth the expenditure .... and in the long run victory and stability will be the result for Afghanistan.