Pakistan Shoots Down U.S. Drone
"Pakistani troops fire on US helicopters at border
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Pakistani soldiers fired at American reconnaissance helicopters that were escorting Afghan and U.S. ground troops along the volatile border Thursday, sparking a five-minute ground battle between the countries which have been allies in the war on terrorism, officials said.
Attempting to play down the incident — the first serious exchange with Pakistani forces acknowledged by the U.S. — Pakistan's president said only "flares" were fired at foreign helicopters that he said had strayed across the border from Afghanistan into his country.
The five-minute exchange, which could have easily escalated into a much bigger conflict, could heighten tensions at a time the U.S. is stepping up cross-border operations in a region known as a haven for Taliban and al-Qaida militants.
The shooting comes amid a string of cross-border incidents, including a raid by American commandos into Pakistan's tribal areas Sept. 3 that angered many in Pakistan, and the apparent crash landing because of possible mechanical failure of a U.S. spy drone this week in Pakistan's tribal areas.
Or it was SHOT DOWN, revisionst and FACT-ALTERING AmeriKan MSM!!!
Aaaaaaaahhhh!!!!!!!
On Wednesday, Pakistan's army said it had found the wreckage of a suspected surveillance drone in South Waziristan, but denied claims by Pakistani intelligence officials that troops and local residents shot it down.
Shuja Nawaz, a prominent Pakistani military analyst, said Pakistan is in no position to seek a confrontation with the vastly superior U.S. military. But he said it "certainly doesn't want to be drawn in a situation where it allows the U.S. to act with impunity" because of the impact on its already-dented morale.
Nawaz said cross-border strikes could deepen animosity in Pakistan toward its alliance with Washington and strengthen the hand of Islamists and right-wing nationalists. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, perhaps Pakistan's most popular politician, could then be tempted to join those calling for Pakistan to break its ties with Washington, he said.
I'd say it has already happened, what with TROOPS and LOCALS SHOOTING at CHOPPERS
"That would be very dangerous," Nawaz said. "The United States needs to be very careful that it doesn't tip the balance."
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You GOT THAT, shit-eater 'murkns!!!!!
