ISLAMABAD, April 28: A leader of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal expressed concern on Wednesday on reports about a new airbase built by US forces in Afghanistan near the border with Pakistan.

"The US military build up in Paktika is a matter of concern not only for Pakistan and Afghanistan but also for other countries of the region," MMA leader Hafiz Hussain Ahmed said.

"The building of an airbase shows the long-term designs and plans of US in the region," Mr Ahmed said. "Instead of building airbases, the US should now better get out from Afghanistan and Iraq after handing over control to United Nations."

US military spokesman Lt-Col Tucker Mansager said the airstrip will be used to fly troops and supplies into south eastern Afghanistan's restive border region "to increase our ability to rapidly re supply forces in the border area." -AFP