News In Brief

Honduras threatens to cut Managua ties over copter

Honduras says it will break relations with Nicaragua unless it receives a satisfactory explanation for the shooting down of a Honduran military helicopter over Nicaraguan territory.

Honduras said four armed forces members and four civilians died Tuesday when the US-built helicopter was shot down. It said the aircraft was unarmed and blown off course.

Nicaragua's Army was said to have gone on top alert as a result of the incident.