NATO attack was not intentional, clarifies US

Washington: The Pentagon on Wednesday strongly refuted reports that the attack on Pakistani post by NATO forces over the weekend was "intentional", and conceded that US-Pak relationship was going through a very difficult phase.

"Whatever happened over the weekend on the border with Afghanistan and Pakistan is a tragedy. We express regret for it and as well as condolences for the loss of life. In no way shape of form should this be construed as an intentional attack on Pakistan by the United States. That is simply incorrect," Pentagon Press Secretary George Little told reporters.

Little was responding to statements from Pakistan which alleged that the US forces intentionally attacked the Pakistani post on the Af-Pak border that resulted in the death of some 24 Pakistani soldiers.

Pakistan is furious over the incident and in retaliation has blocked the NATO supply route to Afghanistan, boycotted the upcoming Bonn conference and asked US to vacate the secretive Shamsi air base, which is used by the CIA for drone attacks.

"I am not going to comment on precisely what happened. It is important to let the investigation unfold, but the notion that this was an intentional attack on Pakistani military is incorrect," Little asserted.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) is leading the investigation into the incident and has been asked to submit its report by December 23.

Pakistan and Afghanistan has been invited to participate in investigation.

"I would let the investigation determine precisely what happened. No one at this point has the complete narrative," he said.

Little, however, refused to either confirm or deny news reports of US vacating the Shamsi air base as demanded by Pakistan.

"I am not going to comment on Shamsi air base today," he said.

"We are reviewing the full range of factors related to this incident including any request that may have come from Pakistan," he added.

Pentagon officials at the same time conceded that its relationship is going through a very difficult phase.

"Everybody recognises how tough the situation is right now and that the relationship is going through a very difficult period," Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt John Kirby told news reporters a news conference.

"This obviously is a very significant incident in itself but, the relationship has been struggling for many many months since the spring.