USAF General Heads Investigation into Afghanistan-Pakistan Border Incident

USAF General Heads Investigation into Afghan-Pakistan Border Incident: Brig. Gen. Stephen Clark, Air Force Special Operations Command’s director of plans and requirements, will oversee the investigation into the Nov. 25 incident near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border that inflicted casualties on Pakistan military personnel. Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis, US Central Command commander, gave Clark until Dec. 23 to provide his initial report. “This is a CENTCOM-led investigation with full NATO cooperation,” wrote Mattis. The Afghan and Pakistani governments also will name representatives to the investigation team, according to a CENTCOM release. “The investigation team will focus their efforts on the facts of the incident and any matters that facilitate a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding the deaths and injuries of the Pakistan forces,” states the release. The initial report is expected to include details about what Afghan, coalition, and Pakistani units were involved and who did, or did not, cross the border and why. It will also attempt to determine the battle damage that occurred and the cause of deaths and injuries, and to provide recommendations for improving near-border operations. (Includes AFPS report by Cheryl Pellerin and AFPS report by Jim Garamone)