Eight Peacekeepers Killed In Sinai Helicopter Crash

Eight peacekeepers have died in a helicopter crash in the Sinai Peninsula.

The US Department of Defense said "six US and two partner nation service members" operating with the United Nations Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) died in the crash.

In a statement, Acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller said: "Yesterday we recognized the sacrifice of millions of American veterans who have defended our nation for generations, and today we are tragically reminded of the last full measure our uniformed warriors may pay for their service.

"I extend the department’s condolences to the families, friends, and teammates of these service members," he added.

The MFO said the two partner nation service members were a French peacekeeper and a Czech member of the force.

It added that the helicopter crashed during a routine mission near Sharm el-Sheikh, a popular Egyptian resort city on the Red Sea, and that an investigation was underway.

It did not give a precise location of the crash or say whether the helicopter fell on land or into the sea.

The MFO monitors the four-decade-old peace agreement between Israel and Egypt.

Thirteen countries contribute troops to the MFO, with the United States making up the largest contingent.

Its responsibilities include monitoring troop levels along the border and ensuring the freedom of navigation through the Straits of Tiran.

Cover image: A library image of a Blackhawk helicopter resupplying an MFO site in the Sinai Peninsula in September 2019 (Picture: US Department of Defense).