(Image Source: BBC)

BY ADNAN S. KHAN

ANCHOR ANTHONY MARTINEZ

NATO helicopters allegedly opened fire on two Pakistani outpost killing over two dozen Pakistani troops. Here’s ABC
 

“Another blow to relations between US and Pakistan this morning. Pakistan is accusing US-led NATO helicopters of firing on an army checkpoint along the border with Afghanistan kiling at least 25 Pakistani soldiers. Pakistan immediately responded by closing a key border crossing to supply US troops in Afghanistan.”
 

Early reports estimated at least 24 Pakistani soldiers were killed. That number rose as high as 28. The Telegraph has the response, and apologies, from NATO commanders.

“The commander of the International Security and Assistance Force stated that he is personally paying the highest attention to this matter and that he is committed to thoroughly investigate and determine the facts. He expresses his sincere and personal heart felt condolences to the family and loved ones of any member of Pakistan security forces.”
 

That commander is none other that U.S. General John Allen. And his sincere apology is apparently not enough for Pakistani forces. Euronews reports Pakistan has already taken actions against NATO forces.

“In an apparent reprisal Afghan bound NATO supply trucks and fuel tankers have been prevented using a key route in Khyber region near Peshawar.”
 

It’s not the first time Pakistan has blocked supplies to U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan. And Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper reports usually such protest doesn’t last long.

“The last crisis occurred in September 2010 when Pakistan shut the main land route for NATO supplies at Torkham for 11 days after accusing NATO of killing three Pakistani troops in another attack in its northwest.”
 

CNN explains the reason these incidents occur is because of the difficulty of the terrain and distinguishing the border.

“This was a military check post, Pakistani officials say, in Mohmand agency -- this is a district that sits right next to the Afghan border. There’s a lot of militant activity here…


And a writer for American Thinker speculates on the worst-case scenario to follow this incident.

“Our drone attacks have been very successful in striking at the leadership of al-Qaeda and the Taliban. But they are highly dependent on intel passed on by the Pakistani ISI and military. That cooperation may dry up in the aftermath of this incident, which will hinder our operations in the Northwest Frontier Provinces.”