Illustrative image. (U.S. Central Command)
The United States is investigating whether Iranian fire hit the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter that crashed near the Strait of Hormuz on June 8, Axios reported, citing two American officials and a third source with knowledge.
The incident came following serious escalation over the weekend, with Iran and Israel exchanging their first direct strikes since the start of the ceasefire.
In a statement acknowledging the incident, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said that both the pilot and the weapons system officer were rescued around two hours after the helicopter went down off the coast of Oman. The command added that the cause of the incident is under investigation, without elaborating.
“The pilots are fine. Yeah,” Trump told reporters, according to the Associated Press. “Nobody injured. We are going to issue a report tomorrow. But the pilots are fine.”
CENTCOM spokesman Capt. Tim Hawkins told Axios that a U.S. Navy surface drone found the crew in the water and carried out the rescue.
The drone is part of the 5th Fleet’s Task Force 59, which operates maritime drones, sometimes with artificial intellgince, Hawkins added.
One of the American officials who spoke with Axis said that the cause of the crash may become clearer once the helicopter’s crew, who are undergoing treatment, are interviewed.
Apaches have previously been used to attack Iranian small boats in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as to intercept drones launched from the Islamic Republic over the waterway and elsewhere in the Persian Gulf. A fully loaded “flyaway” helicopter of this type could cost well over $50 million.
CENTCOM said that the helicopter was on patrol when it crashed, but it’s possible that it was hunting down drones launched from Iran.
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treason in the united states is doing more damage to the united states than any war.
correct. treason, liars, corruption, politicians and zionist are the main cause of problem to america and everywhere else.
did israel do it ? the desperation of zealotry has conduced many false flag operation to entrap the us in forever war for pirate corporations interest. remember the uss liberty. quagmire