Five American service members tragically died on Friday when their MH-60 helicopter crashed into the eastern Mediterranean Sea while engaged in a routine air refueling mission.
The fallen soldiers were confirmed to be Army special operations personnel, according to officials.
Helicopter Crashes Near Cyprus
Search and rescue efforts persisted until Saturday when they were reluctantly called off. The crash occurred near Cyprus, and the helicopter was part of the special operations forces deployed to assist in potential evacuations amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The US European Command, responsible for the region, initially stated on Saturday that an investigation into the crash was underway, emphasizing there were no signs of hostile activity. However, specific details about the mishap were not disclosed in their subsequent statement on Sunday.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed his condolences, acknowledging the sacrifices made by the men and women in uniform. He highlighted the constant risk they face to keep the nation safe. The names of the deceased soldiers have not been released, pending notification of their families.
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President Biden Mourns Fallen Soldiers
President Joe Biden also mourned the tragic loss, emphasizing the bravery and selflessness of military members who put their lives on the line daily. He offered prayers for the families and friends of the fallen soldiers, describing their sacrifice as a testament to the nation’s best values.
Amid the conflicting reports on the timing of the incident, with initial discrepancies between European Command officials and the Pentagon, it was clarified on Sunday that the crash occurred late Friday.
As the nation commemorates Veterans Day, President Biden reaffirmed the sacred obligation to those who volunteer to serve, expressing shared grief for the families and friends who have lost their loved ones.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those dedicated to defending the country.
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