Pak army opens fire at US choppers

Pak army opens fire at US choppers
Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:25:25 GMT
Pakistani military has repelled a suspected US-led airstrike by shooting on intruding helicopters and forcing them back into Afghanistan.

Helicopters with a US and NATO-led forces in Afghanistan were fired on from a Pakistan military checkpoint Thursday, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said in a statement, adding there was no damage or casualties.

ISAF stressed however that the helicopters had not crossed Pakistani airspace.

"ISAF helicopters received small-arms fire from a Pakistan military checkpoint along the border near Tanai district, Khost, September 25 while conducting routine operations in Afghanistan," the statement added.

Meanwhile Pakistani military said troops fired warning shots at two NATO helicopters after they crossed the border from Afghanistan.

"Two helicopters crossed into our territory in Ghulam Khan area. They passed over our checkpost so our troops fired warning shots," chief Pakistani military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said, adding: "The helicopters returned fire but there was no damage on the ground."

Abbas noted that the matter was being taken up with the International Security Assistance Force in Kabul.

The incident comes after a pilotless US drone was shot down in the northwestern Pakistan when local tribes and Pakistani troops fired at the plane while crossing the border.

Also, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari said Thursday that Pakistan's military is firing "flares" to warn NATO helicopters about the exact location of Pakistan's border with Afghanistan.

US Predator drones usually armed with missiles have killed dozens of Pakistani civilians during recent weeks. However, the tactic to mount counter-terrorist operations inside Pakistan has met with fierce opposition.

Pakistan insists that prevention of cross-border infiltration is not solely its responsibility, but insists that no foreign troops will be allowed to operate in its territory.

JR/RA

Well this should work out just about right. The economy's in the toilet. Our military is where it doesn't belong. The choppers will get shot down. We'll declare war. And shazam!! The economy perks right up. America loves a good war.

Which side to believe Nato or Pakistan?