ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Pakistani soldiers and tribesmen shot down a suspected U.S. military drone close to the Afghan border Tuesday night, three intelligence officials said.
If verified, it apparently would be the first time a pilotless aircraft was brought down over Pakistan and likely would add to tensions between Washington and Islamabad over recent U.S. cross-border incursions into the country’s lawless tribal regions.
The three officials said the aircraft was hit at the village of Jalal Khel in South Waziristan after circling the area for several hours.
The United States challenged the account. “We’re not aware of any drones being down,” said a senior U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the diplomatic sensitivity of disputing a U.S. ally in the war against terrorist groups.
The report came a day after intelligence officers said two U.S. helicopters crossed a mile into Pakistan late Sunday over North Waziristan but flew off after Pakistani troops and tribesmen opened fire. The U.S. military denied that report. The Associated Press
