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Nato fire into Pakistan 'self defence' against Islamic militants

Nato in Afghanistan said it twice fired artillery rounds across the border into Pakistan "in self defence" against Islamic militants who launched rocket attacks aimed at US-led forces.

  • AP
  • Published: 08:56 June 23, 2008
  • Gulf News

Kabul: Nato in Afghanistan said it twice fired artillery rounds across the border into Pakistan "in self defence" against Islamic militants who launched rocket attacks aimed at US-led forces.

Afghan and US officials blame surging violence in Afghanistan in part on efforts by the new Pakistani government to make peace with Taliban militants on its side of the mountainous frontier.

The cross-border clashes could increase diplomatic tension over Pakistan's apparent inability to stop Islamic militants from operating from its territory, and whether forces in Afghanistan have the right to strike back.

Five rockets were fired at one of Nato's bases in Khost province on Sunday. At least one hit a house in Kunday, a small village which sits between two military bases, killing three children. Another hit a Nato base, injuring an Afghan man, the alliance said.

Nato said its forces responded "in self defense" to the attack "with artillery fire on the launch site located about 300 metres inside Pakistan."

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