Originally published Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Comments (0)
E-mail article
Print view
U.S. denies claims of incursion into Pakistani territory
Confusion swirled over a possible incursion by U.S. forces into Pakistani territory in South Waziristan on Monday
The New York Times
PESHAWAR, Pakistan — Confusion swirled over a possible incursion by U.S. forces into Pakistani territory in South Waziristan on Monday.
Local residents and a Pakistani government official said two U.S. helicopters were repulsed when Pakistani soldiers fired at them, but the Pakistani and U.S. military publicly denied any such incident, and a Pakistani intelligence official said a U.S. helicopter had mistakenly crossed the border briefly, leading Pakistani ground forces to fire into the air.
The Pakistani official, a senior official who deals with the tribal areas and who spoke on condition of anonymity, said U.S. troops had tried to land in South Waziristan in a mountainous region with forest on the border with Afghanistan.
The official said Pakistani troops and locals, incensed at U.S. incursions, fired on the helicopters.
Rear Adm. Gregory Smith, a spokesman for Central Command, said no U.S. helicopters or other forces were involved in any such incident. Maj. Murad Khan, a military spokesman in Rawalpindi, said, "There has been no border violation and we have not fired on the Americans."
Tensions have been mounting since the United States intensified its campaign in Pakistan's border areas against extremists suspected of having ties to al-Qaida and the Taliban. The United States contends insurgents use the border areas as a refuge to stage attacks against U.S. and NATO soldiers in southern Afghanistan.
A flurry of missile strikes inside Pakistan fired from U.S. pilotless aircraft and the first publicly acknowledged ground operation by U.S. Special Operations forces against Taliban operating inside Pakistan earlier this month have caused grave concern in Pakistan, and its military chief, Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, has said Pakistan would safeguard its territorial integrity.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
More Nation & World headlines...
E-mail article
Print view Share:
Digg
Newsvine
![]()
UPDATE - 12:45 PM
CEO vows better performance as GM exits bankruptcy
UPDATE - 11:33 AM
Obama plane emergency could have been a disaster
UPDATE - 12:50 PM
Pope presses Obama on abortion, stem cells
UPDATE - 12:43 PM
Cemetery workers made $300K in gravedigging scheme
Up to 22 Taliban killed in central Afghanistan

Gen. David Petraeus: Iraq and Afghanistan Wars
Watch highlights of General David Petraeus discussing the Iraq and Afghanistan War at the Global Leadership Series sponsored by the World Affairs Council.
Entertainment | Top Video | World | Offbeat Video | Sci-Tech
nwjobs


Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
What not to wear to work this summer
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new compact car? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
nwhomes

Find a new home or condo that fits your lifestyle.
Search New Developments
Builder Directory
- Seattle-area homebuilder losing projects to foreclosure
- Health-plan costs soar for individuals
- Cocoa plant where worked died didn't have license
- Trees vs. houses: Narrow, leafy street is last chance for two Madrona homes waiting to be moved
- World's largest solar plant may be built in Cle Elum
- Chase won't pay for Seattle's Lake Union fireworks next year
- The end of the light-line line, for now: Tukwila's "Taj Mahal" station
- Lawmaker says CIA director ended secret program
- Mariners Blog | Seattle Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik again declines to quell Yuniesky Betancourt trade rumors
- Driver killed, deputy and prisoner injured in head-on crash near Monroe
- Health-plan costs soar for individuals
577 - Texas Rangers at Seattle Mariners: 07/09 game thread
243 - Chase won't pay for next year's Lake Union fireworks
186 - Seattle Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik again declines to quell Yuniesky Betancourt trade rumors
183 - World's largest solar plant may be built in Cle Elum
129 - Deals involving Mariners shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt, Pirates second baseman Freddy Sanchez not automatically related
105 - The end of the line, for now: Tukwila is the jewel in the crown of Link
89 - Yuniesky Betancourt traded to Royals for two minor league pitchers
86 - Franklin Gutierrez bails Mariners out in a 3-1 win
77 - Group hopes to build 75-megawatt solar park near Cle Elum
60
- Seattle-area homebuilder losing projects to foreclosure
- World's largest solar plant may be built in Cle Elum
- Health-plan costs soar for individuals
- Group hopes to build 75-megawatt solar park near Cle Elum
- Cocoa plant where worked died didn't have license
- Grab the kids and hop on Amtrak for a stress-free getaway to Portland
- Trees vs. houses: Narrow, leafy street is last chance for two Madrona homes waiting to be moved
- During financial crisis, the business of college sports is complicated by Title IX
- Local Smith & Hawken garden stores to close
- Lavender tour on Vashon Island leads round of festivals





