Funerals held for Pakistani soldiers killed in airstrike

Updated November 28, 2011 11:07:52

NATO strike kills Pakistani soldiers Video: NATO strike kills Pakistani soldiers (ABC News)

Pakistan has buried the bodies of 24 soldiers killed by a NATO air strike on a military outpost on Saturday.

More than 100 Pakistani soldiers dressed in ceremonial uniforms carried the coffins of the slain men, draped in the national flag, after the raid which has inflamed tensions with the US.

Army chief General Ashfaq Kayani led mourners at the service in the north-western city of Peshawar and also visited those wounded in the attack.

Audio: Pakistan reviews US ties over NATO strike (AM)

The Pakistani government has expressed its "deep sense of rage" to US and NATO officials over the air strike on the army check point near the Afghan border.

Hundreds of demonstrators, burning American flags and effigies of Barack Obama, shouting "Death to NATO" rallied outside the US consulate in the southern city of Karachi. Protests were also held in several other cities across the country.



Video: Listen to the ISAF media conference

NATO has described the killings as a "tragic unintended incident" and says an investigation is underway.




Around 40 troops were stationed at the outpost at the time of the attack, military sources say.

The Pakistani military has reserved the right to retaliate against US targets.

Cut ties

Former Pakistani ambassador to Afghanistan, Ayar Wazir, told ABC Radio's AM that the international community should not underestimate the strength of feeling in Pakistan.

"Obviously everybody is angry. How would you like it if somebody attacks the Australian soldiers inside your country?" he said.

Mr Wazir says Pakistan should refuse any further military aid from the United States. He says if the insurgents can live without it, so can the Pakistani military.

"The United States are not extending any help to the Taliban and they have survived for 10 years fighting with America," he said.

"So, there is no question of Pakistan not surviving. I wish the government decides tomorrow to stand on its own two feet and not look to anyone for assistance or help."

Pakistan has already ordered the United States to leave Pakistan's Shamsi military air base within 15 days.

The attack is the latest perceived provocation by the United States, which infuriated Pakistan's powerful military with a unilateral special forces raid that killed Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in May.

The attack highlights the difficulties faced by the US as it tries to secure the border area that is home to some of the world's most dangerous militant groups who have mastered the harsh mountainous landscape.



First posted November 28, 2011 07:25:45