August 23, 2008	Saturday	Sha'aban 20, 1429

KOHAT, Aug 22: Two Afghan soldiers have admitted that their government has sent 6,000 troops for fighting against one of the warring groups in Kurram Agency.

Musa Khan, of Tanai in the Khost province, and Ikramuddin, of Gurbaz in the same province, were produced by local tribesmen at a press conference held at an unspecified place. A video of the press conference obtained by this correspondent shows the soldiers in Afghan army uniforms.

They told journalists that some elders of the Toori tribe in Kurram Agency had met the Afghan president a few months ago and requested him to help them with manpower and arms and ammunition in their fight against Bangash tribesmen.The Afghan president, who had been accusing Pakistani intelligence agencies of being involved in suicide attacks in his country, promised to support them.

Security officials here said the statement of the two detained soldiers had proved that the Afghan government was actively involved in terrorist activities in the tribal areas.— Correspondent