On Saturday, US European Command, which supervises American military operations in Europe and parts of the Middle East, confirmed that five US military special operations troops were killed in an aircraft crash into the Mediterranean Sea during their training.
US European Command launched their search and rescue operations immediately following the crash and proceeded to investigate the cause.
US Military Troops Killed During Training
According to The Guardian, the US has deployed two aircraft carriers, the Ford and the Eisenhower, along with supporting ships and dozens of aircraft to the eastern Mediterranean. The two aircraft were sent since Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel to be a barrier and ensure the conflict does not extend.
The European Command said they can definitively say that the aircraft sortie was purely related to training, and there were no indications of hostile activity.
Furthermore, the report noted that the troops were trained in hostage rescue operations as Hamas also has American hostages. However, the White House said they have no plans to put US military members on Gaza grounds, where Israel has launched a war.
The European Command did not release further information, but they extended their thoughts and prayers to the families of the fallen. Furthermore, they did not immediately release the names of those who had been killed as the officials first notified the family members of the victims.
According to The New York Times, the aircraft caught in the middle of the crash was an MH-60 helicopter that fell off the coast of Cyprus. The Air Force sent additional troops to the region and the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier, an onboard aircraft operating in the eastern Mediterranean.
European Command has confirmed that the incident was not related to Israel's fighting in Gaza. The report said the army and navy had sent Delta Force and Seal team units to stand by to help evacuate American citizens in the region in case of urgent action.
Biden Administration's Response
According to CNN Politics, President Biden issued a statement and mourned the US military member's deaths. He showed appreciation and said service operators put their lives on the line for the country daily.
"They willingly take risks to keep the American people safe and secure. And their daily bravery and selflessness is an enduring testament to what is best in our nation," Biden said.
He said that he and Jill, the first lady, would be praying for the families and friends who lost their loved ones. He said the entire nation shares their grief.
Biden mentioned that the accident occurred at the start of the weekend commemorating Veterans Day. He added that they once more affirm their sacred obligation to those who volunteered to serve the nation and their families, caregivers, and survivors.
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