Article Posted on : - Feb 10, 2010

Pakistan Army Cobra Gunship Helicopter. A file photo

ISLAMABAD (PTI): A Pakistani army helicopter gunship crashed while targeting militant hideouts in the restive Khyber tribal region bordering Afghanistan, according to a media report.

The helicopter came down in the Tirah valley of Khyber due to a technical problem, officials were quoted as saying by 'Dawn News' channel on Wednesday.

They said casualties were feared in the incident.

Troops had surrounded the area and launched a search for the downed helicopter, the officials were quoted as saying.

Clashes were also continuing between security forces and militants in Bara area of Tirah valley.

The channel said there were also reports that the helicopter had crashed after being fired at by militants.

There was no official word on the incident.

The Pakistan army has made extensive use of helicopter gunships and fighter jets in its campaign against militant groups in the lawless tribal belt.