A US Army AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. The aircraft’s two crew members survived the accident and were rescued safely.
It is not yet clear whether the Apache was shot down by Iranian fire, suffered a mechanical breakdown or if another problem occurred. This incident occurred a day after Iran and Israel said they had suspended mutual attacks, following an appeal from Trump, although Tehran warned it would resume hostilities if Israel continued to attack Hezbollah in Lebanon.
According to , asked if he knew what caused the helicopter to crash, Trump said that a report would be released later, this Tuesday.
“The drivers are fine. No one was injured,” Trump said, speaking on the tarmac at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Since the start of the war, the US has reinforced its military presence in the region. Apache helicopters, drones MQ-9 Reaper e F/A-18 and F-35 fighter planes have been used by North American Central Command (CENTCOM) to counter what Washington considers to be an Iranian blockade of commercial traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
The AH-64 Apache combat helicopter, armed with Helfire missiles, is one of the most fearsome aircraft types in ground combat operations. This performs patrolling and navigation protection functions in this area.
The helicopters have been moving closer and closer to Iranian territory, including islands the Iranians control in the strait and the Persian Gulf, even as the United States and Iran engage in negotiations to reopen the strait.
In response to the blockade imposed by Iran, the United States imposed its own blockade on April 13prohibiting commercial ships from entering or leaving an Iranian port. Since then, US military ships have blocked the passage of 134 vessels.
