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Coalition troops mass at border | The Australian

Coalition troops mass at border | The Australian
At the same time, published reports said the Pakistan air force had been ordered to attack any aircraft violating the country's airspace.

A senior military official was quoted as saying: "Responsible departments of national security have made it clear to the ISAF (the US-led coalition force in Afghanistan) that they will give a befitting response to any border and air violation."

The official added: "Pakistan will never allow foreign interference in our territory, or for our sovereignty to be violated. Such incidents are infuriating not only to the security forces but also the Pakistani people." However, a spokesman for coalition forces in Afghanistan insisted yesterday there was no question of troops violating the border and entering Pakistan. "Our mandate stops at the border," said Captain Mike Finney.

Reports of the troop build-up has caused fury among local tribal leaders.

Malik Mohammad Afzal Khan Darpakhel, a local leader in the militant-infested tribal area of North Waziristan, was quoted as saying: "We want to warn them that three million tribesmen will rise against them if they try to move in."

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