London, Nov. 16 The helicopter of Germany's new Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg was almost hit by the Taliban in Afghanistan, where he had gone to visit German troops.

On Friday, Guttenberg's helicopter narrowly missed the heavy machine gun and tracer firing from Taliban, as it flew in convoy with two others above Kunduz province.

The Minister in Chancellor Angela Merkel's new centre-right government was not hurt as his helicopter zigzagged through the sky with troops on board returning the fire.

Guttenberg, who was visiting German army's main base in Kunduz province, was informed of the attack during the flight.

Travelling along with Guttenberg were the German army's general inspector, Wolfgang Schneiderhan, and Germany's ambassador to Afghanistan, Werner Hans Lauk.

No damage was reported.

A few days back, a German helicopter had received a direct hit from Taliban guns on its fuel tank and was forced to make an emergency landing. (ANI)