An incident occurred during a training exercise in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, resulting in the crash of a U.S. military aircraft, according to a statement from U.S. European Command. The command did not disclose specifics about the type of aircraft involved, the number of individuals on board, or any casualties. Out of respect for the affected families, further information regarding personnel involved was withheld at this time. Details regarding the location of the crash, whether it occurred over land or water, were also not provided by European Command. However, a flight notice issued by the U.S. indicated an ongoing search-and-rescue operation in the sea area between Cyprus and Lebanon.
According to flight tracker @EISNspotter, air traffic control in Cyprus requested military assistance around midnight on Saturday after a helicopter crashed approximately 30 nautical miles from the southern coast of the island. Social media users identified multiple Navy P-8 Poseidon surveillance planes conducting patrols in the waters south of Cyprus, as well as an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III airlifter departing the area, which is often used for aeromedical evacuations.
The cause of the mishap is currently under investigation. It remains unclear whether the aircraft was engaged in routine training operations in Europe or if it was part of a deterrent force deployed to the region in recent weeks. The Pentagon has dispatched thousands of American troops to the Middle East amidst escalating conflict between U.S. ally Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip.
In the eastern Mediterranean, two Navy carrier strike groups are stationed, along with U.S. surveillance aircraft conducting intelligence operations off the coast of Israel, and other military assets positioned throughout the area.
This is an ongoing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
