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Pakistan protests ISAF, Afghan forces firing, intrusion into its territory

ISLAMABAD, April 24 (KUNA) -- Pakistan Thursday lodged strongly-worded protest with Afghanistan and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) over firing and intrusion incident that left one paramilitary trooper dead and wounded another.
Foreign Office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq talking to newsmen here said that a strong protest was lodged at a higher level over the incident and that Afghanistan had been told in clear terms that such incidents must not be repeated.
"We emphasized that military action on Pakistan side is the exclusive responsibility of the Pakistani forces", he said.
On Wednesday morning, ISAF and Afghan troops clashed with Taliban militants along the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Forces intruded into Pakistan in search of militants and attacked a Pakistani security checkpost in bordering Bajaur tribal agency.
The whole episode left eight to ten militants dead and also claimed lives of a Pakistani soldier and at least five Afghan soldiers.
Military spokesman, Ather Abbas, said that due to misunderstanding some exchange of fire took place between Afghan and Pakistani troops.
Foreign Office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq said it was explained by the other side that Afghan and ISAF troops were operating against the Taliban who were active in the area and attacked an Afghan post. (end) amn.rk KUNA 241743 Apr 08NNNN