Militants armed with rocket launchers and sophisticated weapons attacked three NATO supply trucks close to the Pakistan-Afghan border on Monday (June 10), killing six drivers and conductors.

Local officials told reporters the militants were dressed in local paramilitary uniforms and were carrying rocket launchers. After the attack near Jamrud in the Khyber tribal region, they set two trailers on fire before fleeing.

A key route for transporting supplies to the US and its allied forces in Afghanistan passes through the Khyber Agency.

In the past few years, the Taliban have destroyed hundreds of containers, truck and oil tankers in attacks in northwest Pakistan, and the US troops are increasingly using alternative routes through central Asia.

Several militant groups, including the Pakistani Taliban, are active in the region, and the NATO supply line has been a favourite target. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

Presented by Adam Justice