ISLAMABAD , Pakistan ( CNN ) -- A key transit link for NATO and U.S. military supplies into Afghanistan is expected to reopen in the next two days , a Pakistani military official told CNN Wednesday . Containers bearing supplies for US-led forces and NATO in Afghanistan pass through Pakistan . The supply routes in the Khyber Pass were closed on Tuesday after Pakistani forces launched an operation against Taliban militants in the country 's tribal regions , Pakistani military sources said . NATO and U.S. military supplies were being re-routed , mostly air-lifted , the sources said . The operation is an attempt to halt militant attacks on NATO supply trucks , and recent attacks on several girls ' schools in the Khyber region . The Khyber Pass -- an ancient , three-mile pass which links Pakistan to Afghanistan through the Hindu Kush mountain range -- has traditionally been a vital route into Afghanistan . Eight people -- two suspected Taliban militants and six civilians -- died in Tuesday 's fighting which involved military helicopter gunships , according to Pakistani intelligence sources . The fighting took place near the town of Jamrud . The U.S. military praised Pakistan 's incursion . `` We are pleased with the operation to clear out insurgent in the areas adjacent to the pass so our supplies can go unhindered , '' U.S. forces in Afghanistan said in a released statement . `` This temporary delay will result in the long-term gains for all that use that passage route . There is no immediate impact in our ability to provide supplies to the troops . '' NATO countries are working on plans with countries in the north -- including Azerbaijan , Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan -- for possible new supply routes . Earlier this month , suspected Taliban militants attacked cargo terminals in Peshawar , Pakistan -- which sits along the transit route -- destroying NATO military vehicles carrying supplies bound for Afghanistan , Peshawar police said . It followed at least five other attacks against NATO and U.S. supply lines in previous weeks . Last month , Pakistani officials suspended travel through the mountain pass , citing security concerns . They reversed their decision a day later .
Pakistan launches operations against Taliban militants in Afghan border region . Operation closes Khyber Pass , a key transit link for NATO military supplies . - The U.S. State Department says it has received reports of the death of at least 20 people and injuries to more than 100 others after an explosion rocked a market in Kabul. Operation follows attacks against convoys ; road to reopen soon .