MIRANSHAH: Afghan and Pakistani troops exchanged fire across the border on Wednesday, said officials, blaming each other for provoking the incident that left one Pakistani soldier dead. The disputed and unmarked border area between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been classified by Washington as one of the most dangerous spots on Earth and a headquarters of Al-Qaeda and Taliban fanning conflict in both countries. A border police commander in Afghanistan's eastern province of Khost confirmed the exchange of fire and accused Pakistan of sparking the battle. “At around 11 A.M. (0630 GMT) today, Pakistani troops in Waziristan started firing heavy and light weapons towards police posts in Gurbuz district. Our soldiers returned fire,” the official said. “Their attack was completely unprovoked and without reason. The fighting is still continuing, there hasn't been casualties on our side,” he added. “Afghan forces fired several mortar shells on one of our military checkposts, leaving one soldier dead and injuring three others. We fired in retaliation. Our troops are using artillery and mortars,” the official said.
