Five U.S. Army Special Operations soldiers were killed in a helicopter crash in the eastern Mediterranean Sea during a routine air refueling mission on Friday evening, as confirmed by U.S. officials. The crash occurred during a training sortie, and an immediate rescue effort was launched involving nearby U.S. military aircraft and ships. The Pentagon is investigating the cause of the mishap.
Key Points:
- The helicopter crash occurred in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, killing all five U.S. service members aboard, who were part of the Army Special Operations forces.
- The mishap took place during a routine air refueling mission within a training sortie.
- U.S. European Command announced the accident and an immediate search-and-rescue operation was initiated.
- The type of aircraft involved was initially undisclosed, later confirmed to be a helicopter by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
- The Pentagon is investigating the cause of the crash and has not yet released the names of the deceased, adhering to their policy of notifying families first.
