Washington, June 10: The United States has launched military strikes against Iranian positions. This action follows an incident where an American Apache helicopter was reportedly shot down near the Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the strikes were carried out as a self-defense response under the orders of President Donald Trump.
In its announcement, CENTCOM revealed that on June 9, US forces targeted Iranian military structures. This decision came in retaliation for the downing of the Apache helicopter the previous day.
According to CENTCOM, “US Central Command forces conducted strikes on Iran on June 9 as a self-defense measure. This action was taken under the Commander-in-Chief’s directive and was prompted by the downing of the Apache helicopter.”
US Air Force and Navy fighter jets employed precision-guided munitions to target Iran’s air defense systems, ground control stations, and surveillance radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz.
The statement added, “US Air Force and Navy fighter jets attacked Iran’s air defense installations, ground control stations, and surveillance radar sites using munitions.”
The US military described this operation as a measured response to recent attacks on American forces and international commercial vessels navigating regional maritime routes.
Earlier, President Trump stated that Iran had shot down a state-of-the-art Apache helicopter while it was patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump wrote on social media, “I have received information from our military that last night the Iranians shot down our highly advanced Apache helicopter while it was patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz.”
He further noted that both pilots aboard the helicopter were safe and unharmed; however, the US must respond to this attack.
Before this military action, the Pentagon reported that an AH-64 Apache helicopter had crashed near the coast of Oman on June 8. At that time, the military indicated that the cause of the crash was under investigation, and it was unclear if enemy action was involved.
Both crew members of the helicopter were rescued within approximately two hours. This rescue operation was led by US naval forces from Central Command and the 82nd Airborne Division, with support from Air Force and Navy units.
The attacks carried out on Tuesday were the first publicly announced US military strikes directly linked to the Apache helicopter incident. This escalation signals a significant increase in tensions between the US and Iran.
Following the strikes, CENTCOM stated that US forces remain fully alert and prepared to respond to any new threats in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most crucial maritime routes, with nearly 20% of the global oil supply passing through it. Therefore, any military tension in this area is a matter of concern for the entire world.
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