The United States European Command (EUCOM), one of the 11 unified combatant commands of the US military, says it has lost five service members in an air crash.
EUCOM confirmed the accident in a statement on Sunday, saying the service members died after their military aircraft “suffered a mishap” and crashed over the eastern Mediterranean Sea on Saturday morning during a routine training mission.
The military officials said the aircraft search and rescue efforts began immediately.
All five service members on board the aircraft were determined to have died.
The statement added that an investigation into the crash is underway, though military officials say there are no indications of any hostile activity involved.
“Our service members put their lives on the line for our country every day,” President Joe Biden said.
“They willingly take risks to keep the American people safe and secure. And their daily bravery and selflessness is an enduring testament to what is best in our nation.
“Jill and I are praying for the families and friends who have lost a precious loved one—a piece of their soul.
“Our entire nation shares their grief. And, during this weekend when we pause to honor our nation’s veterans, we once more affirm the sacred obligation we bear to those who volunteer to serve our nation as well as their families, caregivers, and survivors. We pray for the families of all our fallen warriors today and every day.”
Meanwhile, identities of the victims would not be released until 24 hours after their families are notified, EUCOM said.
