US Apache Helicopter crashes near Hormuz

A U.S. military Apache helicopter went down near the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports by The New York Times, with President Donald Trump confirming the incident and saying both pilots were safe.

In a report published on Tuesday, The New York Times said it remains unclear whether the Apache helicopter was shot down or crashed due to a mechanical failure. President Donald Trump did not provide details on the cause of the incident but said more information would be released later.

Speaking to reporters in New York, Trump said the two pilots aboard the helicopter were safe and that no injuries had been reported.

Citing The New York Times, The Jerusalem Post reported that the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has been using Apache helicopters, along with fighter jets and drones, to counter Iran's blockade efforts in the Strait of Hormuz.

The report said this was the first reported loss of a U.S. Apache helicopter since hostilities between the United States and Iran escalated in February. Iran had previously claimed to have shot down 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones.

Apache helicopters are typically used for patrol and surveillance missions, although recent CENTCOM operations have reportedly involved their deployment in more offensive roles.

Read More: Iran announces end of military operation against Israel

Earlier on Sunday, CENTCOM said it had shot down two Iranian drones it considered a threat to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that U.S. forces would continue defensive operations against what it described as Iranian aggression.