In late November, 24 Pakistani soldiers were killed during a NATO-led raid on their check-post in the Salala area of the Mohmand tribal region near the Afghanistan border.
As a mark of protest, Pakistan closed a key ISAF supply route and ordered the United States to vacate the Shamsi airbase in the Washak district of southwestern Balochistan province.
In an interview with the Khaleej Times newspaper, Gen. Allen said: “You simply can’t guarantee anything in war. The conditions are difficult at the border, let the investigation play out, we will look carefully…”
However, the top US commander denied allegations that the attack on the Pakistani military post was deliberate. “I am telling you nobody is happy this happened. Twenty-four young soldiers were killed. It breaks my heart, so I want you to know we will investigate this.”
The Haqqani network was attacking ISAF, Afghan leaders and civilians, Gen. Allen said, promising NATO-led troops would “deal with them inside Afghanistan”.
About an operation against the group on Pakistan’s soil, he said talks on the subject … were frozen at the moment. “But I think I will be no less determined to have the same productive conversation I have had in the past with Gen. Kayani…”
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