SRINAGAR: A US Army Apache attack helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, but both crew members were rescued safely, according to a report by The New York Times citing officials familiar with the incident.
The cause of the crash has not yet been established. Officials told the newspaper that investigators are examining whether the helicopter was struck by Iranian fire, suffered a mechanical failure or encountered another operational problem. No official conclusion has been announced.
The incident occurred amid heightened military activity in the region following months of tensions involving the United States, Iran and Israel. Although recent hostilities between Iran and Israel have eased, security concerns around the strategically important waterway remain high.
According to the report, the Apache helicopter, armed with Hellfire missiles, is a key component of US military operations in and around the Strait of Hormuz, where it is used to deter small-boat attacks and intercept drones. The aircraft forms part of a wider US deployment that includes MQ-9 Reaper drones, F/A-18 fighter jets and F-35 aircraft operating in the region.
The New York Times reported that Iran has downed several US drones since the conflict began earlier this year, while a number of American aircraft have been lost in both combat and non-combat incidents. If confirmed, the crash would mark the first loss of an Apache helicopter during the current confrontation.
The crash also comes as Washington continues efforts to enforce restrictions on maritime traffic linked to Iran. The United States has maintained a significant military presence around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy transit routes, amid concerns over regional security, commercial shipping and global oil supplies.
US President Donald Trump acknowledged the crash while speaking to reporters at John F Kennedy International Airport in New York on Monday night.
“The pilots are fine. Yeah. Nobody injured. We are going to issue a report tomorrow. But the pilots are fine,” Trump said.
