By ERIC TALMADGE and SEBASTIAN ABBOT
Associated Press Writers
KABUL, Afghanistan – Pakistan disputed NATO’s claim Monday that its forces have the right of hot pursuit across the Afghan border after coalition helicopters launched airstrikes that killed more than 50 militants who had escaped into Pakistan following an attack on an Afghan security post.
Pakistan said it had strongly protested to NATO over the airstrikes, which a coalition spokesman justified on grounds of “self-defense.” Pakistan is sensitive about attacks on its territory, but U.S. officials have said they have the right to cross a few miles (kilometers) into Pakistani airspace if they are attacked and in hot pursuit of a target.
Pakistan denied Monday such an understanding exists.