Pakistan Fires on US Choppers

Crew and craft not damaged, but tensions rise

By the Associated Press

Posted Sep 25, 2008 10:34 AM CDT

(AP) – Pakistani troops fired at American reconnaissance helicopters patrolling the Afghan-Pakistan border today, heightening tensions as US steps up cross-border operations in a region known as a haven for extremists. Two American OH-58 reconnaissance helicopters were on a routine afternoon patrol in the province of Khost when they received small-arms fire from a Pakistani border post, the army said. Crew and aircraft were not damaged.

"They did not cross the border and they did not fire back," said an army rep. The US has stepped up attacks on suspected militants in the frontier area, mostly by missiles fired from unmanned drones operating from Afghanistan. The incursions—especially a ground raid into South Waziristan by US commandos 3 weeks ago—have angered many Pakistanis.

Pakistan army troops patrol along the Kohat tunnel after taking it back from militants near the troubled area of Dara Adam Khel near Peshawar, Pakistan on Tuesday, Sept 23, 2008. (AP Photo)

A helicopter of the International Security Assistance Force flies over Arghandab district in Kandahar province, south of Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, June 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Allauddin Khan)

Pakistani protesters burn a U.S. flag to condemn alleged American strikes in Pakistani tribal areas along Afghanistan border, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008 in Lahore, Pakistan. (AP Photo/K.M.Chaudary)

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Crew and craft not damaged, but tensions rise

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Crew and craft not damaged, but tensions rise

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Afghanistan • NATO • Pakistan • helicopter • Afghan border • Pakistan military • Afghanistan war

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Pakistan Cleared Deadly Hit: US

Pakistan said it had no forces in area when airstrikes were called

Backed By Pakistan, Taliban Set to Retake Afghanistan

ISI providing direct assistance, says secret NATO report viewed by the BBC

Pakistan Fires on NATO Helicopters

Two Pakistani soldiers injured in brief firefight

6 US Soldiers Killed Near Pakistan Border

Kunar province among Afghanistan's most violent

Pakistan Gunmen Torch Dozens of NATO Tankers

Driver killed as key border crossing remains closed

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