US launches strikes on Iranian military sites after Apache helicopter downing

The United States carried out airstrikes against Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz on June 9, following the downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter, according to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said the operation was conducted at the direction of the U.S. president and targeted Iranian air defence systems, ground control stations, and surveillance radar sites using precision-guided munitions launched by U.S. Air Force and Navy fighter aircraft, Caliber.Az reports. 

https://t.co/nmeOOVXAcD

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 10, 2026

The military described the strikes as a "proportional response" to what it called recent attacks on U.S. forces and international commercial shipping in regional waters.

“U.S. forces remain vigilant and postured to defend against unjustified Iranian aggression,” CENTCOM said.

Earlier, two U.S. officials told media outlets that the Apache helicopter had been brought down by an Iranian drone a day earlier. One official noted that it remains unclear whether the helicopter was deliberately targeted.

The helicopter's two crew members were rescued by a U.S. unmanned drone boat following the incident.

By Sabina Mammadli