Pentagon Says Pakistan Fired on U.S. Aircraft

Pakistani troops fired on U.S. helicopters patrolling eastern Afganistan Thursday, the Pentagon said, adding that it expects an explanation from Pakistani officials.

Two American OH-58 reconnaissance helicopters, known as Kiowas, were on a routine afternoon patrol in the eastern province of Khost when they received small arms fire from a Pakistani border post, said Tech Sgt. Kevin Wallace, a U.S. military spokesman. There was no damage to aircraft or crew, officials said.

“They did not cross the border and they did not fire back,” Wallace said.

The Pakistani military disputed that assertion, saying its troops fired warning shots when the two helicopters crossed over the border — and that the U.S. helicopters fired back.

“When the helicopters passed over our border post and were well within Paskitani territory, own security forces fires anticipatory warning shots. On this, the helicopters returned fire and flew back,” a Pakistani military statement said.

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