More NATO Fuel Tankers Attacked in Pakistan

Tankers preparing to carry fuel to NATO positions in Afghanistan were attacked, the second attack in less than a week, with another group of tankers reportedly being destroyed.

The tankers were being prepared to transport fuel and were still in the depot when attacked.

Last Friday a tanker convoy was attacked, destroying at least 27 tankers, and possibly as high as 35.

Anger in Pakistan has grown in response to NATO helicopters entering Pakistan air space and killing three Pakistani soldiers while pursuing the Taliban.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for today's assault on the tankers, and said they won't stop until the entire supply line is halted.

Oil Tankers from NATO Destroyed by Suspected Insurgents

In what appears to be an attack by militants in response to NATO helicopters entering Pakistani air space in response to attacks located in the country, close to three dozen oil tankers were torched in the southern part of the country.

Pakistan and NATO have always had a tense relationship which seems to continually simmer beneath surface, ready to explode on any moment based on circumstance related to the war in Afghanistan.

Normally attacks from insurgents are conducted in the northwest part of Pakistan, suggesting this could be a possible expansion of their territory, although not all attacks on NATO supply transports are performed by militants.

According to one senior Pakistani intelligence official, if NATO were to continue incursions into the country it could lead to a complete breaking off of relations. That is probably more hype than anything, as Pakistan is completely reliant on aid from the United States and NATO, putting them in the difficult situation they're in by trying to appease their people while catering to NATO at the same time.

Approximately 12 people with their faces hidden scared off the drivers of the 35 destroyed vehicles, and then proceeded to set them fire, totally destroying many them.

No people were killed in the attack.

Oil Drops to 5-month Low on Weak Demand, other Factors

Oil continues to plunge from its record high which reached $147 a barrel in July, as it dropped by over $2 a barrel, after settling the lowest on Thursday since April 4. Brent crude followed suit in London as it declined by over $2 a barrel as well, finishing at $103.95.

With China decreasing imports after the Olympics and consumers driving less, oil prices will probably continue to fall. Other factors include the ongoing storm season and the unknown decision by OPEC on what it will do going ahead. The weak U.S and world economy will continue to affect the price also.

The rise in value of the U.S. dollar will also continue to drive down oil prices.

With the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port, (largest oil-import terminal in the U.S.) saying they started offloading oil tankers early Thursday morning, it's also thought it could help keep oil prices down because of the quick resumption of delivery.