Pakistan Gets 30 Helicopters From U.S.

Islamabad, Pakistan (AHN) - In order to fight terrorism and extend humanitarian missions in the region, the U.S. on Monday gave Pakistan, an important ally, over 30 military helicopters during a ceremony in a military camp in the country.

Defense Secretary Kamran Rasool received the helicopters from U.S. Anne Patterson at an aviation base in the garrison city of Rawalpindi.

In a statement, Patterson said Pakistan's army aviation personnel are an asset to the combined efforts to "fight extremism and bring peace and stability to the region."

She added, "This event demonstrates the continued commitment of the United States to cooperate with Pakistan."

According to Rasool, the 26 new Bell-412 and four refurbished Cobra helicopters "will significantly enhance" the operational capabilities of the Pakistan military.

Major General Syed Taqi Naseer Rizvi, director general of army aviation, said the air crafts "would go a long way in helping fortify the country's capability to effectively combat the menace of terrorism."

The Bell-412 air crafts were initially leased by Pakistan under the $235-million project.

Patterson said, "The Pakistan army now takes ownership of these helicopters."

Only this week, at least 130 people died in twin blasts in Karachi, just hours after former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto arrived and ended her 8-year self-imposed exile.

The blasts were attributed pro-Taliban militants, who have threatened to send suicide bombers to kill Bhutto.