(Newser)
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Tensions are increasing over the NATO airstrikes that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers Saturday, as Pakistan’s military claimed today that the attack lasted nearly two hours and that NATO ignored its pleas for a ceasefire. Commanders at both bases that were hit contacted NATO while the strikes were under way, but though they asked NATO to “get this fire to cease,” says an army spokesperson, “somehow it continued.” NATO, which has promised to investigate, called it a “tragic and unintended” incident, the AP reports. Pakistan has continued to insist the attack was unprovoked.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s prime minister warned there will be “no more business as usual” with Washington, telling CNN today that the country is re-evaluating that relationship. A top adviser to Afghan President Hamid Karzai adds that Afghanistan and Pakistan could be headed toward military conflict. Also today, Pakistan blocked 300 trucks carrying NATO supplies to Afghanistan; Bloomberg notes that Pakistani TV has shown traffic jams and stranded supply trucks near two border crossings. The strikes have incensed Pakistanis who were already angry at the US, leading one group to chant in a demonstration, “Whoever is a friend of America is a traitor to the land.” The Daily Beast notes that American officials are now concerned about increased attacks on US supply routes in retaliation.
