Israeli Black Hawk Helicopter Crashes in Rafah, Resulting in Casualties
An Israeli Black Hawk helicopter has crashed during operations in south Gaza, marking a first in the ongoing conflict that has spanned over ten months.
The crash resulted in the deaths of two soldiers, and injuries to eight others who have since been rushed to hospitals. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) identified the deceased as 37-year-old Sgt. Maj. Daniel Alloush of Tel Aviv and 38-year-old Sgt. Maj. Tom Ish-Shalom of Nes Harim, both members of reserve forces.
Details on the Incident
The incident is being described by military officials as a crash and not the result of enemy ground fire, despite the serious damage to the aircraft. The crash occurred in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah and involved a UH-60 Black Hawk from the 123rd Squadron.
According to initial reports from the Israeli Air Force (IAF), the Black Hawk, carrying a Unit 669 medical team, flew to Rafah on Tuesday night to evacuate a combat engineer who had been seriously wounded in the area. However, during the final landing stage inside an Israeli army encampment in Rafah at around 12:30 a.m., the helicopter impacted the ground instead of landing correctly.
The Immediate Aftermath
If the Black Hawk had crashed in a more open area with active Hamas militants, the survival chances of the eight injured could have been significantly lower. However, given that the crash occurred within an IDF forward operating base, the emergency response was immediate and potentially life-saving.
Several of the wounded are said to be in critical condition. Among them are two pilots and a mechanic from the IAF’s 123rd Squadron, a reservist doctor and another soldier from Unit 669. Additionally, another reservist doctor from Unit 669 and a mechanic from the 123rd Squadron were moderately wounded in the crash. The seriously wounded combat engineer, who was supposed to be evacuated by the crashed Black Hawk, served with the 710th Combat Engineering Battalion.
The Crash's Context
The crash happened at a very low altitude, just moments before touchdown, and at a low speed. The exact cause of the crash remains unknown.
Black Hawk crashes in active war zones are relatively rare, and this incident recalls the infamous Black Hawk Down Incident during the Battle of Mogadishu in October 1993 in Somalia. In that incident, an RPG brought down the helicopter, resulting in the deaths of 18 American troops, including elite special forces commandos, and injuries to 84 others. The crash survivors spent hours fending off hundreds of Somali militants.
Bottom Line
The unfortunate crash of the Israeli Black Hawk helicopter in Rafah brings to light the inherent risks faced by military personnel in active war zones. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that come with serving in conflict-ridden areas and the bravery of those who choose to do so. What are your thoughts on this incident? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, available every day at 6pm.
Israeli Black Hawk Helicopter Crashes in Rafah, Resulting in Casualties
An Israeli Black Hawk helicopter has crashed during operations in south Gaza, marking a first in the ongoing conflict that has spanned over ten months.
The crash resulted in the deaths of two soldiers, and injuries to eight others who have since been rushed to hospitals. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) identified the deceased as 37-year-old Sgt. Maj. Daniel Alloush of Tel Aviv and 38-year-old Sgt. Maj. Tom Ish-Shalom of Nes Harim, both members of reserve forces.
Details on the Incident
The incident is being described by military officials as a crash and not the result of enemy ground fire, despite the serious damage to the aircraft. The crash occurred in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah and involved a UH-60 Black Hawk from the 123rd Squadron.
According to initial reports from the Israeli Air Force (IAF), the Black Hawk, carrying a Unit 669 medical team, flew to Rafah on Tuesday night to evacuate a combat engineer who had been seriously wounded in the area. However, during the final landing stage inside an Israeli army encampment in Rafah at around 12:30 a.m., the helicopter impacted the ground instead of landing correctly.
The Immediate Aftermath
If the Black Hawk had crashed in a more open area with active Hamas militants, the survival chances of the eight injured could have been significantly lower. However, given that the crash occurred within an IDF forward operating base, the emergency response was immediate and potentially life-saving.
Several of the wounded are said to be in critical condition. Among them are two pilots and a mechanic from the IAF’s 123rd Squadron, a reservist doctor and another soldier from Unit 669. Additionally, another reservist doctor from Unit 669 and a mechanic from the 123rd Squadron were moderately wounded in the crash. The seriously wounded combat engineer, who was supposed to be evacuated by the crashed Black Hawk, served with the 710th Combat Engineering Battalion.
The Crash's Context
The crash happened at a very low altitude, just moments before touchdown, and at a low speed. The exact cause of the crash remains unknown.
Black Hawk crashes in active war zones are relatively rare, and this incident recalls the infamous Black Hawk Down Incident during the Battle of Mogadishu in October 1993 in Somalia. In that incident, an RPG brought down the helicopter, resulting in the deaths of 18 American troops, including elite special forces commandos, and injuries to 84 others. The crash survivors spent hours fending off hundreds of Somali militants.
Bottom Line
The unfortunate crash of the Israeli Black Hawk helicopter in Rafah brings to light the inherent risks faced by military personnel in active war zones. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that come with serving in conflict-ridden areas and the bravery of those who choose to do so. What are your thoughts on this incident? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, available every day at 6pm.
