ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan says the NATO airstrikes that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers went on for close to two hours and continued even after local commanders had told the coalition forces to cease the attacks.
Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas on Monday also denied Kabul’s claims that Afghan and NATO forces received fire from the direction of the two border posts prior to the airstrikes.
NATO has apologized for the deaths, and has promised an investigation.
The incident has plunged ties between the Pakistan and the United States to fresh lows.
It could setback American hopes of getting Islamabad’s help in pushing Afghan Taliban factions on its soil to peace talks.
