You have commented 339 times on Rantburg.

Your Name
Your e-mail (optional)
Website (optional)
My Original Nic        Pic-a-Nic        Sorry. Comments have been closed on this article.
Bold Italic Underline Strike Bullet Blockquote Small Big Link Squish Foto Photo
Submit your comments on this article
Afghanistan
Pakistani troops fire on US helicopters
2008-09-25
KABUL, Afghanistan - Pakistani troops fired at American reconnaissance helicopters patrolling the Afghan-Pakistan border Thursday, heightening tensions as U.S. steps up cross-border operations in a region known as a haven for Taliban and al-Qaida militants.

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. U.S. forces and Pakistan's military "are working together to resolve the matter," a NATO statement said.

Pakistan's military spokesman Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas said Pakistan's military was awaiting a full report from Afghanistan on Thursday's shooting, but that Pakistani units had "very clear" orders not to fire across the border. "We are getting it investigated," he said.

In Washington, a U.S. official said the U.S. coalition in Afghanistan immediately demanded an explanation from Pakistan, the official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the record.
Posted by:tu3031

#15  

OH-58 Kiowa. The co-pilot often times has a M-4 next to him and there have been many confirmed kills by co-pilots with their M-4s as the Kiowa flies so low he can use it. As WM said, one 7.62 round in the right place can bring it down. The cockpit has no protection and the crew are the easiest part to hit.
However, since the Kiowa is so maneuverable and quick, the crews love them and are fearless flying into areas that they shouldn't be in and usually come out with just a bullet hole or two.
I know us infantry guys love 'em.
Posted by: DarthVader   2008-09-25 18:21  

#14  "Blazing Saddles"quote,
Don't shoot him, (Mongol) you'll only make him mad.
Posted by: Redneck Jim   2008-09-25 18:06  

#13  I think we ought to annihilate any border post firing on our forces. How many border posts will be wiped out before they learn a lesson that we are not to be triffled with.

Alqaeda, Pakitalies, and unreconstructed taliban are busy planning attacks on the West from the FATA and Northwest provinces and we're supposed to allow them go about their plans for an attack on our homeland?
Posted by: Punky Elmineling4042   2008-09-25 16:28  

#12  Thank you, Whiskey Mike. In other words, exactly as dangerous as to the tin can when kids are taking potshots with air rifles. ;-) You share so generously of your knowledge, and you know how much I love that!
Posted by: trailing wife    2008-09-25 16:14  

#11  TW, small arms fire (rifle and light to medium machine gun fire) is able to do the Kiowa serious (and possibly mortal) damage. The Kiowa is unarmored and very thin skinned. That said, they are fairly hard to hit and reasonably maneuverable.d backup
Posted by: Whiskey Mike   2008-09-25 15:44  

#10  See, this is all because Sarah Palin knows nothing of diplomatic relations. When a Pakistani leader says your are "gorgeous", by golly, you better hold him tight, or he will have his people fire on your people.
Posted by: plainslow   2008-09-25 15:38  

#9  they are just playing " Pakis and Indians. "
Posted by: USN, Ret.   2008-09-25 14:04  

#8  the outpost should not exist anymore even if they did fire too tell them they had crossed the border. Not too mention they don't care who else crosses it
Posted by: sinse   2008-09-25 13:55  

#7  The president of Pakistan is a civilian. He knows only what he is told.

What is "small arms fire" with regard to a Kiowa/OH-58 reconnaissance helicopter? How much more serious than kids taking potshots at tin cans with an air rifle?
Posted by: trailing wife    2008-09-25 13:54  

#6  Look closer. Probably in support of infiltration or smuggling.
Posted by: ed   2008-09-25 13:46  

#5  Sounds like a Dangerously situation, AS.
Posted by: SteveS   2008-09-25 13:33  

#4  My Grandmother shot at me from across the line of control once...
Posted by: Abdominal Snowman   2008-09-25 12:52  

#3  Like the old joke says: "That's ONE..."
Posted by: mojo   2008-09-25 12:34  

#2  They did not cross the border and they did not fire back.

I know this story is true, unlike the Paklander's claim the Americans fired at them. Because if we did, no one would be left alive to tell the tale.
Posted by: DarthVader   2008-09-25 12:07  

#1  NEW YORK - Pakistan's new president says his military fired only "flares" or warnings, at foreign helicopters that he claims crossed the border from Afghanistan into his country.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari told U.S. reporters Thursday that his forces fired only as away to warn the helicopters that they had crossed the border. Zardari said that it's often difficult to tell just where the border is.

Next time, maybe a little 30mm cannon return fire. Just to say..."thanks".
Posted by: tu3031   2008-09-25 11:54  

00:00