Pakistan Rebukes U.S.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) — Pakistan's prime minister on Thursday backed the army chief's criticism of the U.S. following a deadly American-led ground assault in Pakistani territory. Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani's comments Wednesday reflected government policy. The powerful but media-shy army leader had said that Pakistan would defend its territory, it had no deal with the U.S. allowing it to operate in its borders, and unilateral attacks risked undermining joint efforts to end violent extremism. The statements reflected a growing strain in relations seven years after the Sept. 11 attacks forged the two countries' anti-terror alliance. The ground assault last week, and a barrage of suspected U.S. missile strikes in recent days, suggest growing American impatience with Pakistan's efforts to eradicate militant safe havens in its tribal regions bordering Afghanistan.