Afghans probe killings after Pakistani complaint

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (Reuters) - Afghan authorities have launched an investigation into the killing of 16 men an army officer described as Taliban but who Pakistan said were its citizens visiting Afghanistan for a holiday.

The incident could further strain relations between the key U.S. allies in the war on terrorism after a sharp deterioration in ties over Afghan accusations Taliban fighters were finding sanctuary in Pakistan.

General Abdul Raziq, an Afghan army officer in the border town of Spin Boldak, said on Wednesday his forces had killed 16 Taliban after surrounding them in mountains, 8 km east of the town, near the Pakistani border.

But many residents of Spin Boldak, in Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province, dismissed that explanation and organised a strike on Thursday to protest against the killings.

more:http://in.news.yahoo.com/060323/137/6348x.html

The region between the two countries has NEVER had any government other than the tribal elders..(Probably not even during the Caliphate)