Pentagon expresses 'regret' over Nato airstrike that killed Pakistan soldiers, but have NOT Apologized - 23rd Dec 2011

The Pentagon expressed "deepest regret" and "sincere condolences" to Pakistan as the US conceded for the first time it bears significant responsibility for the Nato airstrike that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.

It however stopped short of the apology that would help repair the severely damaged relations with its ally.

The Pentagon expressed "deepest regret" and "sincere condolences to the Pakistani people, to the Pakistani government and, most importantly, to the families of the Pakistani soldiers who were killed or wounded".

It admitted that poor coordination between US and Pakistani military officers operating through the border coordination centre, including reliance on "incorrect mapping information shared with the Pakistani liaison officer" resulted in a misunderstanding about the correct location of Pakistani units.

But the Pentagon defended the actions of its troops and blamed Pakistan for failing to share co-ordinates of its border posts during the night time incident on Nov 26, and said they had acted in self-defence and responded with "appropriate force".

"This, coupled with other gaps in information about the activities and placement of units from both sides, contributed to the tragic result," the statement said. Read More