Pakistan to review ties with US, NATO after border attack
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The Pakistan government has ordered a full review of ties with the United States and NATO, after forces with the security alliance allegedly fired at a checkpoint, killing at least 28 Pakistani soldiers.
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and team have already decided to cut the NATO supply route in Pakistan, bringing to a halt over a hundred fuel and supply trucks meant for anti-Taliban operations in Afghanistan. The step is being seen as a new low in US-Pak ties, which have been tense ever since America began drone operations near Pakistan's border.
Reports also claim special forces from United States and Afghanistan may have been involved in the night strike at the border post. A NATO spokesman has admitted that it was 'highly likely' NATO aircraft were behind the attack.
Two officers – a major and a captain – were among those killed when helicopters fired on the check post at Baizai area of Mohmand tribal region at 2 am local time, in one of the most deadliest NATO strikes in Pakistan.
Fifteen more personnel were wounded and the death toll could rise as some of the injured were in serious condition, several officials told the media.
Pakistani TV reports said that the post had only 40 soldiers. Officials in the country have slammed friendly fire claims with many saying NATO had a detailed map of the area with the border post marked on the grid.
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