LADDAH, April 27: One Pakistani and three Afghan soldiers were killed in border clashes near Angoor Adda, South Waziristan, on Wednesday. According to sources, four troops and eight civilians were injured.

The Afghan National Army (ANA) fired about 100 mortar shells at the Angoor Adda bazaar, damaging several shops and six vehicles. Some shops and cabins also caught fire.

Families vacated the area after authorities asked them to leave Angoor Adda.

Pakistani helicopters were seen hovering over the area.

Political Agent Atif Rehman accused the ANA and Nato forces of an unprovoked action.

Talking to reporters, he said the ANA had fired a mortar shell at a paramilitary post near Angoor Adda, injuring two soldiers.

Retaliation by Pakistani forces sparked clashes between the two sides.

The Afghan army and Nato forces have a joint base in Birmal near the place from where the attack was launched.

However, talking to the Afghan Islamic Press, an ANA commander alleged that Pakistani forces had fired first.

Our Staff Reporter in Islamabad adds: Troops at a post set up recently by the Afghan army started firing at a Pakistani border post at about 10.30am, a military spokesman said.

Pakistani personnel returned fire and clashes continued for about two and a half hours.

“Pakistan has demanded an immediate flag meeting,” the spokesman said. He added that the firing by ANA troops was unprovoked.

A flag meeting between commanders of the two armies is held to discuss any complaint that may cause tension.