A U.S. Army Apache helicopter gunship went down near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. Both crew members were safely rescued, according to individuals with knowledge of the situation.
The cause of the incident is unclear. It is uncertain if Iranian fire is responsible, if a mechanical failure occurred, or if another problem was at play. The case remains under investigation, as per sources speaking anonymously.
Tensions in the region have fluctuated, with military strikes exchanged by Israel and Iran before a partial cease-fire. This incident highlights the fragile peace.
The Trump administration had not commented on the event by the time inquiries were made to the White House press office. A statement from President Trump’s spokesperson was not immediately available. Central Command also did not comment when asked.
Central Command has been employing Apaches, MQ-9 Reaper drones, and F/A-18 and F-35 aircraft to address Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, affecting commercial traffic. Iran has downed approximately 30 unmanned Reaper drones, and several U.S. fighter jets have been lost to both hostile and friendly fire since the conflict began on February 28. This incident marks the first Apache lost in the war.
Images released last month show Adm. Brad Cooper of Central Command overseeing naval operations in or near the strait. The U.S. Navy conducted a brief operation named Project Freedom, assisting commercial vessels through the strait.
The AH-64 Apache, equipped with Hellfire missiles, is a formidable aircraft used to deter small-boat attacks and target drones. The helicopters have been operating closer to Iranian territory, including islands in the strait and the Persian Gulf, reflecting the aggressive stance by Central Command amid U.S.-Iran negotiations to reopen the strait.
In retaliation to Iran’s actions, the U.S. established its blockade on April 13, halting commercial ships from accessing Iranian ports. Since then, U.S. vessels have intercepted 134 ships. The Navy has disabled seven other vessels ignoring American directives, such as the recent interdiction of a Palau-flagged oil tanker heading to Iran on Monday in the Gulf of Oman.
In April, an F-15E Strike Eagle’s crew were rescued after being downed by Iran and landing in hostile regions.
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