Afghan, Pakistan troops exchange fire: officials

Miranshah (Pakistan), Feb 2 (AFP) Afghan and Pakistanitroops exchanged fire across their border today, officialsfrom both sides said, blaming each other for starting theincident.

General Almar Gul Mangal, commander of the borderpolice''s fourth battalion in Afghanistan''s eastern province ofKhost confirmed the exchange of fire and accused Pakistanitroops of sparking the battle.

"At around 11 am (0630 GMT) today, Pakistani troops inWaziristan started firing heavy and light weapons towardspolice posts in Gurbuz district. Our soldiers returned fire,"he said.

In Pakistan''s northwestern city of Peshawar, a seniormilitary official said one Pakistani soldier had been killedand three wounded.

"Afghan forces fired several mortar shells on one ofour military checkposts, leaving one soldier dead and injuringthree others. We fired in retaliation. Our troops are usingartillery and mortars," the official said. (AFP)