U.S. Army Apache Helicopter Incident Near Strait of Hormuz
A U.S. Army Apache helicopter gunship went down near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. Both crew members were successfully rescued, as reported by sources familiar with the incident.
Details regarding the cause of the helicopter’s downing remain unclear. While some speculate it could have been shot down by Iranian forces, others consider mechanical failure or other issues. The incident is currently under investigation, according to sources who spoke anonymously.
This event follows a period of heightened tensions in the region, where hostilities between Israel and Iran have fluctuated. The fragile cease-fire has been repeatedly tested.
The Trump administration had not made public the news of the downed helicopter when The New York Times contacted the White House press office for comment. A spokesperson for President Trump did not provide an immediate response, nor did the military’s Central Command.
The U.S. military relies on Apache helicopters, MQ-9 Reaper drones, and F/A-18 and F-35 attack planes in its efforts to contest Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has previously shot down around 30 Reaper drones, alongside a few U.S. fighter jets since the war commenced on Feb. 28. This marks the first loss of an Apache in the conflict.
Recently, Central Command shared imagery via social media depicting Adm. Brad Cooper, head of the command, flying over the strategic waters. This coincided with the U.S. Navy’s brief effort, named Project Freedom, to aid commercial ships navigating the strait.
The AH-64 Apache, with its Hellfire missiles, is a formidable aircraft in the region. It operates to prevent small-boat assaults and destroy drones. Apaches have been moving closer to Iranian territory as Central Command maintains a strong presence, despite ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations concerning the strait.
In retaliation for Iran’s blockade, the U.S. imposed its own blockade on April 13, halting commercial traffic to and from Iranian ports. American military vessels have since intercepted 134 ships. Seven additional vessels, including a Palau-flagged oil tanker en route through international waters in the Gulf of Oman, were disabled for ignoring U.S. warnings, as per Central Command.
Earlier in April, two crew members of an F-15E Strike Eagle, shot down by Iran, were rescued after ejecting behind enemy lines.
Reporters: Eric Schmitt, national security correspondent; Maggie Haberman, White House correspondent; Jonathan Swan, White House reporter. For secure contact, Eric Schmitt can be reached on Signal: ericschmitt.36. Jonathan Swan can be reached on Signal: @jonathan.941.