Pak troops fire at US helicopters in N Waziristan

Islamabad, Sept 22 (PTI) Pakistani troops fired at two
U.S. helicopters that intruded into the restive North
Waziristan tribal region, forcing them back to Afghanistan, a
media report said Monday.

The gunship helicopters apparently intruded into
Pakistani airspace at the border village of Lowara Mandi in
North Waziristan Agency before they were fired at by Pakistani
forces last night, 'The News daily' reported.

Government officials, including those from intelligence
agencies, told reporters in Miranshah, the headquarters of
North Waziritsan, that the incident occurred at 10 pm (local
time). They said the helicopters entered Pakistani airspace
and flew over Lowara Mandi.

Pakistani soldiers used 12.7 mm light machine guns to
fire at the helicopters, forcing them to fly back across the
border to Afghanistan, the officials said.

Reports from Lowara Mandi said local tribesmen too fired
at the helicopters, which did not attack any targets in
Pakistani territory.

Pakistan has protested angrily against cross-border
missile strikes and an incursion by U.S.-led coalition forces
in Afghanistan, saying only its forces have the right to
operate in the country's territory.

It has also vowed to retaliate against any operations
within Pakistani soil by foreign forces.