2 top Pakistan generals escape rocket attack on chopper

Two senior Pakistani Army Generals, travelling to oversee earthquake relief operations, had a miraculous escape today after their helicopter was attacked with rockets over the restive Balochistan province.

Rockets were fired at two helicopters, one carrying the generals and the other had journalists on board, a Frontier Corps official said.

"Two rockets were fired at the helicopters in Mashkay area of Awaran. Both remained safe. Major General Saeed Aleem, chief of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Major Gen Samrez Salik GOC 33 Div and Chief of the quake relief operation were in one helicopter," the official said.

This is the second attack on security forces who are involved in relief work in the quake-hit province. The September 24 earthquake has so far claimed 350 lives.

Last evening, the security personnel accompanying a team of doctors for relief operations were fired upon.

The restive area is the stronghold of Balochistan Liberation Front, listed as a terrorist organisation by Pakistan.