An American UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter crashed in Iraq at approximately 10:00 pm
One Coalition service member was killed and several injured. All personnel was recovered by Coalition forces immediately following the incident, and three were evacuated for further treatment.
The aircraft was conducting a partnered counterterrorism mission in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
There are no indications the crash was caused by hostile fire. The incident is under investigation.
One Coalition service member was killed and several injured when their aircraft crashed at approximately 10 p.m. GMT Aug. 19 in Iraq.
Press Release: https://t.co/vzC3UT4ktU— Operation Inherent Resolve (@CJTFOIR) August 20, 2018
MH-60 Blackhawk which was returning to base after conducting a small-scale raid in an undisclosed region. US Special Forces (SOF) fly these helicopters in support of both SOF and regular forces.
The deceased service member’s name and further details pertaining to the incident will be released by the pertinent national authorities.
Our heartfelt condolence to the family of @CJTFOIR service member who died in a helicopter crash in #Iraq last night. While the incident was not a result of enemy fire, it further demonstrates the sacrifices of #Coalition service members & and the danger they face everyday
— OIR Spokesperson (@OIRSpox) August 20, 2018
No other details were immediately available. Right now Operation Inherent Resolve is going on which is a combined joint task force aimed at defeating the Islamic State.
The crash comes after a HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter crashed in western Iraq in March, killing all seven service members aboard — including two New York firefighters.
