THE U-S IS MOURNING THE LOSS OF FIVE ARMY SPECIAL OPERATION TROOPS WHO WERE KILLED IN A HELICOPTER CRASH IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN OVER THE WEEKEND.
ACCORDING TO THE U.S. EUROPEAN COMMAND — THE FIVE SOLDIERS WERE KILLED WHEN THEIR M-H -60 HELICOPTER WENT DOWN DURING A ROUTINE AIR RE-FUELING MISSION AS PART OF MILITARY TRAINING.
THE PENTAGON ANNOUNCING THAT THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH LATE FRIDAY IS UNDER INVESTIGATION BUT THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT IT WAS THE RESULT OF HOSTILE ACTIVITY.
SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS WERE DISPATCHED AND WORKED INTO SATURDAY BEFORE BEING CALLED OFF..
THE SPECIAL OPERATIONS CREW WAS IN THE AREA TO ASSIST IF NEEDED WITH AMERICAN EVACUATIONS AMID THE ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR —
ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS FAMILIAR WITH THE SITUATION…
THE NAMES OF THE FIVE TROOPS ARE BEING WITHHELD UNTIL THEIR FAMILIES ARE PROPERLY NOTIFIED.
DEFENSE SECRETARY LLOYD AUSTIN SAID IN A STATEMENT:
“WHILE WE CONTINUE TO GATHER MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DEADLY CRASH, IT IS ANOTHER STARK REMINDER THAT THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO DEFEND OUR GREAT NATION PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE EACH AND EVERY DAY TO KEEP OUR COUNTRY SAFE.”