ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Pakistan's army chief, Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, says no outside forces are allowed to conduct military operations inside the country.
Responding to reports of recent cross-border raids by coalition forces based in Afghanistan, Kayani said Pakistan's sovereignty will be defended at any cost, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan reported Thursday.
"There is no question of any agreement or understanding with the coalition forces whereby they are allowed to conduct operations on our side of the border," a military statement said.
Kayani, who met with senior U.S. officers late last month aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, said the U.S. officials were informed the complexity of the militants' issue requires more understanding and patience for evolving a comprehensive solution.
A CNN report said Kayani's statement comes as the Pakistani military resumed its operations against Taliban militants in its tribal region after suspending them earlier this month. Quoting army spokesmen, the report said more than 20 militants and four security forces died Monday in fighting in the Bajaur Agency region.
U.S. military authorities have not confirmed the raids on Pakistani soil, but a senior U.S. official told CNN U.S. helicopters brought troops into the a Pakistani village last week.
