Washington DC: A U.S. Army Apache attack helicopter crashed near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, but both crew members survived the incident, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday. According to Trump, the pilots are “fine” and no injuries were reported.
Speaking to reporters at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, Trump confirmed the pilots had been rescued and said an official report on the crash would be released soon.
The cause of the crash remains unclear. Officials have not yet determined whether the helicopter went down due to mechanical failure, hostile action, or another factor. An investigation is underway.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following recent exchanges of fire between Iran and Israel and ongoing disputes surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil-shipping routes.