Myanmar helicopter crashes in northern battle zone

Kachin ethnic rebels battling the army in northern Myanmar say they have shot down a government helicopter, but the army says it crashed due to engine failure.

An emailed announcement from the Kachin guerrillas says they shot down the helicopter late Friday as heavy fighting raged.

A senior government official citing military sources said Saturday an Mi-35 helicopter crashed in Kachin-controlled territory due to engine failure. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to divulge military information.

The Kachin have long sought greater autonomy from the central government. Intermittent fighting escalated last month when the rebels rejected a government demand that they allow supply convoys to reach an army base.