Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Jun 9: A US Army Apache helicopter crashed near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz on Monday, according to a report by The New York Times citing sources familiar with the incident.

Both crew members aboard the helicopter were safely rescued following the crash. However, authorities have not yet determined whether the incident was caused by hostile fire, a mechanical malfunction or other factors.

US military officials have not issued an official statement on the crash, and an investigation into the cause is currently underway. Search-and-rescue operations were completed successfully after the aircraft went down.

The incident reportedly occurred amid heightened regional tensions involving Iran and its allied groups, although there has been no indication that the helicopter was directly targeted.

According to the report, the US military has significantly increased its presence in the region as part of an aggressive strategy overseen by the United States Central Command. The deployment includes Apache attack helicopters, MQ-9 Reaper drones, and advanced fighter aircraft such as the F/A-18 Hornet and F-35 Lightning II.

The military buildup is aimed at countering Iran's reported blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route through which a significant portion of the world's oil and gas supplies pass.

The report further stated that the blockade has severely disrupted commercial shipping traffic through the waterway. In response, the United States imposed restrictions on access to Iranian ports in April as part of its efforts to pressure Tehran.

The crash comes at a time of growing uncertainty in the Gulf region, with tensions remaining high despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider conflict. Further details are expected as military investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.