An American Apache military helicopter has crashed near the Strait of Hormuz
On 9 June, a US Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz. This was reported by sources at the New York Times familiar with the incident.
According to them, two crew members were safely evacuated. The causes of the crash remain unknown at this stage.
According to preliminary information, various theories regarding the incident are being considered. These include possible shelling by Iran, a technical malfunction or other circumstances. The investigation is ongoing.
The incident occurred against the backdrop of a tense situation in the region following an exchange of fire between Israel and Iran. Despite the declared ceasefire, the situation remains unstable.
US President Donald Trump confirmed to journalists that the crew members were unharmed. However, he did not provide any further details, noting that an official report on the incident would be released later.
US Central Command has not commented on the incident.
The US military is deploying Apache helicopters, MQ-9 Reaper drones, as well as F/A-18 and F-35 aircraft as part of operations in the Strait of Hormuz. These forces are engaged in countering Iran’s de facto restrictions on commercial shipping through the strait.
According to the source, since the start of the war on 28 February, Iran has shot down around 30 Reaper drones. The US has also lost several fighter jets due to enemy or friendly fire. Meanwhile, the incident involving the Apache could mark the first loss of this type of helicopter in the conflict.
Last month, US Central Command published photographs of Commander Brad Cooper flying over the waters near the Strait of Hormuz on the eve of Operation Project Freedom, in which the US military assisted in escorting commercial vessels.
AH-64 Apache helicopters, armed with Hellfire missiles, patrol the strategic waterway to deter attacks by small boats and destroy drones. Recently, they have been operating closer to Iranian-controlled areas in the Strait and the Persian Gulf.
Following Iran’s imposition of a shipping blockade, the United States announced its own restrictions on 13 April, prohibiting commercial vessels from entering or leaving Iranian ports. Since then, US military vessels have turned back 134 ships.
In addition, the US Navy disabled seven vessels that had ignored warnings from the American side. Among them was an oil tanker flying the Palau flag, which was heading through the international waters of the Gulf of Oman towards Iran.
In April, two crew members of an F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet shot down by Iran were also rescued. They ejected over territory that the US considers hostile.
