Eight killed, six injured as armed attackers torch NATO supply trucks in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD - At least eight people were killed and six others injured as armed militants attacked a NATO convoy torching several supply trucks near Sang Jani area of Islamabad late Tuesday night.

According to reports, unidentified gunmen opened fire at NATO supply trucks carrying ration and fuel for international forces stationed in Afghanistan.

Several fire tenders were rushed to the spot following the incident, but they failed to get the furious fire under control.

Initial investigation suggests that the convoy was ambushed by at least six militants from different directions.

A contingent of the Islamabad police and officials from the local police station rushed to the spot immediately after reports of firing, but they failed to get to the attackers amidst indiscriminate firing.

“After attacking the convoy and setting the vehicles on fire these terrorists continued to fire indiscriminately to prevent any rescue and relief operation,” Inspector General of Islamabad Police Syed Kaleem Imam told Geo news.

Imam said that the security at the NATO supply loading yard was not upto the mark, which was the main reason behind the terror attack.

“They had their own security system in place and we (Islamabad Police) were not approached for providing them any protection,” he said.

According to eyewitnesses at least 15 attackers on motorcycles and SUV’s equipped with sophisticated weapons reached the yard at about 12:00 midnight and opened fire at the supply tracks, which were ready to start their journey to Afghanisatn.

They added that the attackers were carrying hand grenades and petrol bombs, and set fire to the tankers one by one.

Meanwhile, security officials have cordoned off the region and have launched a massive combing operation to nab the attackers, who are still believed to be hiding in the area.

A private television channel said that Interior Minister Rehman Malik has directed security agencies to probe the incident and table a report as soon as possible.

No militant organisation has as yet claimed the responsibility for the incident. (ANI)