Trump admits Iran shot down Apache helicopter over Strait of Hormuz, says ‘US must respond’ | World

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (June 9) confirmed that Iran shot down an Apache helicopter while it was patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz, adding that the United States would “have to respond” to the attack. Notably, the incident marked the first reported loss of an Apache helicopter since the war with Iran began.

In a post on social media, Trump said he had been informed by the US military that the incident occurred last night, adding that both pilots aboard the helicopter were rescued safely and escaped without injuries after a drone boat reached the crash site.

Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache helicopters

“I have just been informed by our Great Military that last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz. There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured,” Trump wrote.

“Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack,” he added.

US Army crew safely rescued  

Trump’s remarks come after a drone boat rescued the crew of the Apache attack helicopter that crashed near the strategic waterway, which Iran has effectively closed during its war with the US and Israel.

Earlier, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter had gone down near the coast of Oman while conducting a routine patrol mission in regional waters. However, the military did not disclose the cause of the crash and said an investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The soldiers were safely rescued within approximately two hours and are in stable condition. The cause of the incident is under investigation,” Central Command said in a statement.

US Central Command spokesperson Capt. Timothy Hawkins specified that a US Navy drone vessel, called a surface drone, found and rescued the crew. The drone picked them up and transported them to another location on the water where the crew was then hoisted up to a helicopter.

It was part of Task Force 59, which was launched in 2021 and includes uncrewed vessels and drones. It’s the first Navy task force of its kind.

US lost dozens of aircraft

AH-64 Apache helicopters have been a key asset for the American military as it enforces a blockade on Iranian crude oil shipments and tankers, seeking to pressure Tehran into a deal. The helicopters have also been used by the United Arab Emirates to shoot down Iranian drones.

Apache helicopters are primarily used for precision strikes, close air support, and air reconnaissance, according to the Central Command website. The helicopters have previously been used to attack Iranian small boats as part of the US blockade of Iranian ports.

The US military has lost dozens of aircraft –– including at least five fighter jets, seven Stratotanker refueling aircraft, a search-and-rescue helicopter and more then two dozens drones –– since the war with Iran began in late February, according to a Congressional Research Service report issued in May.

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