22:15

Iran had shot down a U.S. military helicopter while it was patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz.

Axar.az reports that US President Donald Trump made the remarks on Truth Social.

"I have just been informed by our Great Military that last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz," he said, adding that two pilots were on board and both were safe and uninjured.

"Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack," he emphasized.

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According to U.S. media reports, two US officials said the helicopter was brought down by an Iranian drone.

A separate source familiar with the incident said it was an Iranian Shahed drone that struck the US helicopter.

One of the US officials said that it was unclear whether the drone had targeted the Apache intentionally or if it was an inadvertent takedown.

It should be noted that earlier reports indicated that a U.S. AH-64 Apache attack helicopter had crashed near the Strait of Hormuz.