US News

Obama insists attack that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers was not deliberate

WASHINGTON — US President Barack Obama contacted his Pakistani counterpart Sunday to offer his condolences over the deaths of 24 soldiers killed in a botched NATO airstrike.

Obama made clear to President Asif Ali Zardari the “regrettable” Nov. 26 incident “was not a deliberate attack on Pakistan and reiterated the United States’ strong commitment to a full investigation,” the White House said in a statement.

“The two Presidents reaffirmed their commitment to the US-Pakistan bilateral relationship, which is critical to the security of both nations, and they agreed to stay in close touch,” it added.