U.S. Central Command Completes Strikes on Iranian Targets Following Apache Helicopter Downing
The strikes were in response to the downing of a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter on June 8 at 7:33 p.m. ET while patrolling near the coast of Oman.
STRAIT OF HORMUZ — U.S. Central Command forces completed strikes against Iran on June 9 targeting air defense, ground control stations, and surveillance radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz.
The strikes were in response to the downing of a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter on June 8 at 7:33 p.m. ET while patrolling near the coast of Oman.
Two crew members were rescued safely within approximately two hours and remained in stable condition. The mission used precision munitions from U.S. Air Force and Navy fighter jets.
U.S. officials characterized the action as self-defense and a proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression. Strikes were completed the same day, with no U.S. casualties reported in connection with the operation.
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem issued an updated security alert on June 9 lifting shelter-in-place orders for U.S. government employees and family members while keeping some travel restrictions in place across Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.
Embassy consular sections were scheduled to open for routine and emergency services on June 10, with Ben Gurion Airport operating normally for commercial flights.
The June 8 Helicopter Downing and Rescue
On June 8 at 7:33 p.m. ET, the AH-64 Apache went down during a patrol near the coast of Oman. U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and the 82nd Airborne Division, supported by U.S. Air Force and Navy units including 5th Fleet Task Force 59, led rescue efforts.
The two soldiers were recovered by an unmanned drone boat and transferred for medical evaluation. Their condition was reported as stable with no injuries. The cause of the incident is under investigation.
President Donald J. Trump stated: “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. Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack.”
