On Thursday, February 6th, a surveillance aircraft contracted by the Pentagon crashed in the Maguindanao del Sur province of the Philippines. All four individuals aboard the aircraft died. Two defense officials confirmed the crash to USNI News.
The command reported that there were no survivors from the crash, which involved one U.S. military member and three defense contractors. The group was flying on a Beechcraft twin-engine Super King Air 350 to conduct a surveillance operation when the incident occurred (usni.org)
According to a statement from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, the aircraft was on a mission supporting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance efforts at the request of Philippine allies. This event took place during a routine operation related to U.S.-Philippine security cooperation.
Historically, U.S. forces have been stationed at a military camp in the southern Philippines for decades. They provide training and advisory support to local troops. These troops are combating Muslim insurgents, as detailed by the AP.
The aircraft went down in a rice paddy. A water buffalo lost its life as a result of the crash. However, no one on the ground sustained injuries.
More information will be provided when available.
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