Pak deluge disrupts US supply lines to forces in Afghanistan

NEW YORK - The catastrophic floods in Pakistan, which have affected nearly 20 million people, have disrupted the main supply lines for the US and NATO forces stationed in Afghanistan, as important road and rail routes remain submerged.

The main route to Afghanistan through Pakistan’s western region has been completely cut-off, with highways being washed away at several locations.

Supply trucks are now moving through the center of the country to Islamabad, and then on to Peshawar and the Afghan border.

The bulk of supplies for the United States military, including fuel for its bases across southern Afghanistan, pass through Pakistan from Karachi along two routes to Afghanistan, both of which have been cut off by the floods, The New York Times quoted Pakistani officials, as saying.

Though the supply lines have been hit hard by the deluge, US officials pointed out that what wss more important was that the war logistics were still reaching American troops in Afghanistan.

“The bottom line is that stuff is moving,” said Captain Kevin Aandahl, spokesman for United States Transportation Command.

With relentless rains continuing to lash Pakistan adding volumes to the already swelled rivers across the country, it would take months before the supply routes are repaired and reopened and normal transportation restored. (ANI)