Joint Pakistan Military-ISAF Team Completes Review

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

10.06.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – A joint Pakistan military-International Security Assistance Force team has completed their initial assessment into a border incident in which two Pakistan border forces were killed and four were wounded Oct. 6.

The team concluded two coalition helicopters passed into Pakistan airspace several times.

Subsequently, the helicopters fired on a building later identified as a Pakistan border outpost, in response to shots fired from the post. The assessment team considered it most probable that they had fired in an attempt to warn the helicopters of their presence. Unfortunately, following the engagement, it was discovered that the dead and wounded were members of the Pakistan Frontier Scouts.

“We believe the Pakistani border guard was simply firing warning shots after hearing the nearby engagement and hearing the helicopters flying nearby,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Tim Zadalis, ISAF IJC director of air plans and assessment team leader. “This tragic event could have been avoided with better coalition force coordination with the Pakistan military.”

“ISAF offers its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of those killed and wounded, to the Pakistan military, and the people of Pakistan,” said ISAF Commander Gen. David H. Petraeus. “We deeply regret this tragic loss of life and will continue to work with the Pakistan military and government to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

• Date Taken: 10.06.2010
• Date Posted: 10.06.2010 13:51
• Story ID: 57622
• Location: KABUL, AF