NATO Crosses Into Pakistan for Airstrikes

NATO helicopters crossed from Afghanistan into Pakistan at least twice over the weekend, and again this morning, in pursuit of Taliban insurgents, CNN reports. At least 49 people were killed in the attacks Friday and Saturday. NATO initially denied those attacks, according to the New York Times, but now confirms them. NATO says the attacks conform with international rules of engagement, justifying them under the “right of self-defense” according to MSNBC.

The attacks were unusual because they were carried out by piloted helicopters rather than unmanned drones. Pakistan is extremely sensitive about US-led operations in its territory. But hey, when you're already doing this, what's a couple of airstrikes?
(More Pakistan stories.)