Pakistan Army Chief Condemns NATO Strike

Islamabad, Nov 27, IRNA – Pakistan Army Chief Saturday condemned strikes by NATO helicopters which killed 28 troops in the country’s tribal region near the Afghan border, the army said. Media reports earlier put the death toll at 28. “The COAS (Chief of the Army Staff) has strongly condemned NATO/ISAF’s blatant and unacceptable act resulting in loss of precious lives of Pakistani soldiers,” the Army Chief said, according to the army statement. “While lauding the effective response by the soldiers of Pakistan Army in self defence, he directed that all necessary steps be under taken for an effective response to this irresponsible act,” General Kayani said. A strong protest has been launched with NATO/ISAF in which it has been demanded that strong and urgent action be taken against those responsible for this aggression, he said. Giving details of the incident, the army statement said that on the night of 25/26 November NATO helicopters and fighter aircraft carried out unprovoked firing on two Pakistan Army border posts in Mohmand Agency as a result of which 28 troops were killed and 15 were injured. “Pakistani troops effectively responded immediately in self defense to NATO/ISAF’s aggression with all available weapons,” the statement said. /end