KABUL – Afghan Ministry of Defense on Wednesday criticized international troops for taking no action to prevent cross border attacks from Pakistan into Afghanistan.
However, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) says the attacks were carried out from remote and complex areas and that an investigation has been launched into the attacks.

About 800 artillery shells had been fired so far from Pakistan into Kunar and Laghman provinces, leaving about 80 people dead and wounded, with hundreds others leaving their homes in panic.

Over the past three days, about 33 mortar shells were fired from Pakistan into Dangam and Nari districts of Kunar, injuring six people.

"NATO and ISAF forces are committed to defend Afghanistan's national integrity," Maj. Gen. Mohammad Zahir Azimi, the defense ministry spokesman, told a news conference.

However, he said the international troops should come up with a clear stance on the cross border attacks as it was very important that ISAF adopted a clear position on the issue.

Azimi said the ministry of defense condemned shelling from Pakistan and it was ready to defend the country from any foreign aggression.

Flanked by ISAF spokesman, Carsten Jacobson, he said his ministry would implement any decision taken by the officials concerned about the cross border attack, adding the government should also find a diplomatic solution to the issue.

"We are observing Pakistani military movements, which Pakistan calls anti-terrorism activities in the border region," he said.

Jacobson told the news conference that the rockets had been fired from remote areas of Pakistan

"ISAF is seriously monitoring Pakistani shelling and a joint Afghan-ISAF investigation team has also been appointed in this regard," Jacobson said.

However, he said there had been no correct reports so far about the attacks, saying it would be known after the investigation was completed.

He said ISAF would provide all possible cooperation to Afghan security forces in preventing the attacks.

Azimi said the attacks could end if militant sanctuaries across the border were eradicated. "The terrorists are being equipped and supported cross the border," he alleged.

He said the cross border militant hideouts posed a serious threat to Afghanistan's security.

Jacobson also accused Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) of supporting insurgents, calling on Pakistan to stop assisting the rebels.

He said they were concerned about the existence of militant sanctuaries outside Afghanistan.