LOC17:43
14:43 GMT
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