Pakistan forces fire warning shots as NATO helicopters cross into territory
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, Sept. 26, IRNA
Pakistani-NATO Helicopters
Pakistani forces 'fired anticipatory warning shots' as NATO helicopters from Afghanistan crossed into Pakistan territory on Thursday, the army said.
The latest violation of Pakistani territory by the US helicopters came two days after a spy plane was shot down in firing by the forces and local tribesmen in the South Waziristan tribal region.
Pakistan army says that the pilotless plane apparently crashed due to technical problem.
"Today at 3:30 pm, two helicopters from Afghanistan side crossed into Pakistan territory in the area of SaidGai, Ghulam Khan Sector, North Waziristan Agency," an army statement said.
"When the helicopters passed over our border post and were well within Pakistan territory, own security forces fired anticipatory warning shots. On this, the helicopters returned fire and flew back," the statement said.
It said the matter was reported to ISAF Headquarters and the issue is being resolved through existing coordination and communication channel between Pakistan Army and ISAF.
On the other hand ISAF said in Kabul that its helicopters received small-arms fire from a Pakistan military check-point along the border near Tanai district, Khowst on Thursday while conducting routine operations in Afghanistan.
An ISAF statement said at no time did ISAF helicopters cross into Pakistani airspace.
"ISAF forces and the Pakistani military are working together to resolve the matter," it said and added that there are no reports of any damages to the helicopters or any casualties.
"More information with be provided as it becomes available," the statements said.
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