Pakistan defends lack of action during NATO attack

Islamabad: Pakistan's military says confusion and a communication breakdown prevented its airforce from scrambling to defend troops on the ground during the deadly NATO bombing last weekend at two border outposts.

The military has faced uncomfortable questions over why the airforce did not respond after the army said the deadly NATO attack went on for almost two hours and that Pakistani commanders had contacted and pleaded with coalition commanders to stop firing.

A military statement on Friday said the airforce could not be deployed due to a "breakdown of communication" and confusion at "various levels" within the organization.

Saturday's NATO airstrikes killed 24 Pakistani soldiers along the border with Afghanistan. NATO has said the incident was "unintended."