US President Donald Trump on March 18 accused Iran of shooting down a US Army Apache helicopter while it was patrolling the Strait of Hormuz, and declared that Washington would retaliate for the attack.
On social media, Trump wrote: “I have just been informed by our great Department of Defense that last night Iran shot down one of our most advanced Apache helicopters while it was patrolling the Strait of Hormuz. The two pilots on board are safe and unharmed. However, the United States must retaliate for this attack.”
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), based in the Middle East, the soldiers were safely rescued within approximately two hours of the incident and are in stable condition. CENTCOM added that the cause of the incident is under investigation.
The incident comes amid rising tensions in the Gulf region, where ongoing minor clashes threaten to undermine a fragile ceasefire agreement.
