NATO Responds to Laser Incident in Balkans

Two crew members on a US military helicopter sustained minor burns to the eye after an "unspecified laser device" was directed at them as they flew over the central town of Zenica, Bosnia, Oct. 24.
The incident comes after earlier reports of pen-type lasers aimed at US aircraft in which no injuries were reported. Investigations continue, although the source of the light remains unknown. A spokesman for the NATO-led stabilization force in Tuzla said he did not rule out the possibility that the laser could have been one of a type sold to children. He said the assumption was that the incident had not occurred with hostile intent.
US helicopter crew members have started using equipment to protect themselves from laser injuries. Nonessential night training flights have been postponed pending the arrival of more of the equipment.