A top Pakistani army commander says the military has no plans to launch an offensive against Taliban and al-Qaida-linked militants in the North Waziristan tribal region.

Lieutenant General Asif Yasin Malik refuted media reports earlier this week that said the military was planning such an operation at the request of the United States.

Malik told reporters Wednesday that said the military will undertake such an operation when it is in the country's national interest.

Army officials have said that Pakistani troops are stretched thin undertaking military operations in other areas.

Militants have launched a number of attacks against Pakistani security forces following the May 2 killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden.

On Wednesday, police say about 200 militants crossed the border from Afghanistan and attacked a security checkpoint in the country's northwest killing at least five police officers.

The attack occurred in the town of Shaltalo, in the Dir tribal area along the border with Afghanistan's Kunar province.

Also Wednesday, military officials said a helicopter carrying the head of a paramilitary force crashed into the Indus River in eastern Pakistan, with all five people onboard feared dead.

The helicopter was transporting Major General Mohammed Nawaz, who commands the force known as the Punjab Rangers, and four other people when it went down in Punjab province.

Officials said at least one body has been recovered, adding that there are no reports of survivors. Police say the cause of the crash is not clear, but that bad weather may be to blame.