Afghans demonstrate in support of Karzai's threat against Taliban safe havens in Pakistan

Hundreds of Afghans demonstrated in support of President Hamid Karzai's threat to send troops against Taliban militant leaders in Pakistan. Across the border, Pakistan summoned the Afghan ambassador and said it would "defend its territorial sovereignty."

Afghan tribesmen, elders and clerics gathered in at least four cities in eastern Afghanistan _ where Karzai's support is strongest _ with many saying they were ready to respond to their president's call and take up arms.

"We are ready to defend our homeland," said Malik Majid, an elder from Afghanistan's Urgan district in Paktika province, near the border. "We strongly condemn …