US supply routes in Afghanistan squeezed 2 ways

[unhappycamper]

US supply routes in Afghanistan squeezed 2 ways
By JASON STRAZIUSO
Associated Press Writer

KABUL (AP) -- U.S. troops in Afghanistan saw their supply lines squeezed from the north and east Tuesday after militants blew up a bridge in Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan's government said it would end American use of a key air base following Russia's announcement of new aid.

Securing efficient and safe supply routes into Afghanistan has become a top priority for U.S. officials as the Pentagon prepares to send in up to 30,000 more American soldiers this year. Some 75 percent of U.S. supplies travel through Pakistan, where militants have stepped up attacks on truck convoys destined for U.S. bases.

Attackers on Tuesday blew up a bridge in northwestern Pakistan in a fresh salvo in an escalating campaign seeking to cripple Washington's war effort in Afghanistan.

The red metal bridge in the Khyber Pass partially twisted and collapsed on one end, with chunks of concrete scattered about. A trailer truck caught on the span - about 15 miles northwest of Peshawar - fell on its side and spilled dozens of bags.

While U.S. officials have long said they are seeking fresh supply routes, they have never hinted publicly at any concern about running out of food or fuel. American forces stockpile enough supplies to last 60-90 days in the event that their supply chain is severed, U.S. officials say.


Rest of article at: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AS_AFGHAN_SUPPLIES?SITE=DCSAS&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2009-02-03-17-31-47