February 3, 2006	Friday	Muharram 4, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 2: Some of the Nato component troops have left behind their assets to continue support to the relief operation, sources said on Thursday. These assets would remain in the country till March 31, when the emergency would end.

According to the logistics cluster the US troops have left their 4 CH-47 Chinooks. Similarly, two German CH-53s (Stallions) formerly in Pakistan under Nato will remain in-country till March 31 on a bilateral agreement with the Pakistan government. They will continue to be tasked by the UN helicopter service UNHAS.

However, the MD 900 provided by Luxembourg has now left in accordance with the Nato withdrawal. The total number of helicopters involved in the relief operation dropped from 91, at the end of January, to 69.

The carry-load capacity has declined from 375 MT to 317.55 MT. Besides, the withdrawal of Nato assets, the Pakistan Military has also taken back some its helicopters.

The French troops have also left behind their Fuel Farm, which is operational and supporting the operation, an official said.

A fuel survey conducted by the United Nations Joint Logistics Centre has concluded that Pakistan has a system in place which is able to supply both its own national needs and those of the operation without fear of shortages.