The United States says it has temporarily stopped shipments of military equipment out of Afghanistan through Pakistan, saying truckers face potential threats from Pakistanis opposed to U.S. drone strikes.
Pentagon spokesman Mark Wright said U.S. shipments have been halted “from Torkham Gate through Karachi to ensure the safety of the drivers."
The United States has been withdrawing equipment as most American troops prepare to leave Afghanistan by the end of 2014.
Recent days have seen anti-U.S. demonstrations in Pakistan over drone strikes targeting suspected militants in areas close to the Afghan border.
Pakistani politicians and others have been critical of the American drone program, saying the strikes violate Pakistani sovereignty and can harm civilians.
Washington considers drone strikes to be an important tool in the battle against militants.
Pentagon spokesman Mark Wright said U.S. shipments have been halted “from Torkham Gate through Karachi to ensure the safety of the drivers."
The United States has been withdrawing equipment as most American troops prepare to leave Afghanistan by the end of 2014.
Recent days have seen anti-U.S. demonstrations in Pakistan over drone strikes targeting suspected militants in areas close to the Afghan border.
Pakistani politicians and others have been critical of the American drone program, saying the strikes violate Pakistani sovereignty and can harm civilians.
Washington considers drone strikes to be an important tool in the battle against militants.
