December 21, 2007	Friday	Zilhaj 10, 1428

RIYADH, Dec 20: Saudi authorities will deport 246 mostly Pakistani truck drivers from the kingdom after they took part in an illegal 10-day strike, Saudi daily newspaper Al-Watan reported on Thursday.

The drivers, who worked for Saudi transport firm Al-Bassami, the largest in the Gulf, were part of around 300 strikers protesting over pay, the newspaper said.

Some staff returned to work after the military intervened.

Company chairman Mohammed bin Mohei al-Bassami branded the strike a “conspiracy” saying it had cost the company 15 million riyals ($4m).—AFP