CBNNews.com - SOUTHERN LEBANON - Hezbollah's attack on a Lebanese helicopter Thursday was a case of mistaken identity, Israeli officials believe.

Hezbollah fired at the helicopter, killing its navigator and forcing the chopper to make an emergency landing, according to the Lebanese government.

The chopper, which was on a training mission, was shot down by "armed elements" while flying at a low altitude, a government statement read.

First Lt. Samer Hanna was killed, the chopper damaged, but no other crew members were injured. The army is investigating the incident, the statement read.

Hezbollah declined comment.

The attack occurred north of the Litani River in an area largely populated by Shi'ite Muslims, which Hezbollah commandeered for its bases and has made off limits.

Sheikh Abdul Amir Kabalan, a Shi'ite imam (Muslim religious leader), said an Israeli collaborator may have been responsible for the attack.

According to Lebanese security officials, Israeli jets flew reconnaissance flights near where the chopper was shot down before and after the incident.

Source: Haaretz