WASHINGTON - Concerned at insiders attacks, the Pentagon on Monday called cross-border shelling a "serious problem" between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Pentagon spokesman George Little said the US was keeping a close watch on developments in the region, but had not received any call for mediation or intervention from either of the two countries.

"We have said for a very long time, these cross-border incidents are serious. This is a matter for Afghanistan and Pakistan to discuss," Little told reporters during an off-camera news conference.

The US was ready to support discussions between the two the neighbors on the issue, he said. "We have done so in the past, but I do not know any specific request in connection with this incident."

Little conceded green-on-blue attacks were a major problem confronting US operations inside Afghanistan. The secretary of defense the other day mentioned IEDs (impoverished explosive devises) as well, he said.

"Even in the face of insider attacks and IED strikes, there is progress being made in Afghanistan and we are steadfast on our commitment to the transition strategy that we have worked upon," he said. (Pajhwok)