US troops accept firing into Pakistani territory in self defence

Kabul, Feb 12 (UNI) The US troops under NATO command in Eastern Afghanistan have admitted to firing into Pakistani territory in self defence.

Reports from the southern province of Helmund suggested that a large number of anti-government insurgents of foreign origin had entered the province.

Responding to questions NATO led ISAF spokesperson Col Tom Collins said, ''We only fired in self-defence when insurgents moving back and forth across the border fired at the troops.'' Col Collins said the return fire was coordinated with the Pakistani military and happened infrequently.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Helmund province Asadullah Wafa said 700 Al Qaeda militants of foreign origin, including Chechens, Arabs, Uzbeks and Punjabis, had entered the province of Helmund. He claimed they had entered in order to disrupt law and order and hamper work on the development projects.

Responding to questions on this issue, Col Collins said while the forces were aware of the presence of foreign fighters in Afghanistan he would not want to comment on the numbers.

He also refused to comment on whether the province of Helmund had seen a sudden influx.

Sources, however, confirmed that a large number had entered the province.

The situation in Musa Qala district of Helmund remained unchanged and ISAF said it was monitoring the situation. Talks between the Governor of Helmund, tribal elders and the Taliban occupying the town centre have not yielded any results.

The Taliban had moved into the area nearly two weeks ago, breaching a ceasefire agreement, following a NATO attack on senior Taliban commanders in the vicinity which had led to the death of a top leader.

UNI