Soldier missing after US Black Hawk helicopter crashes off Yemen coast

Five aboard aircraft rescued

Two US army Black Hawk helicopters are seen landing (Ian Hitchcock / Stringer)

A Black Hawk helicopter has crashed off the southern coast of Yemen during a US military training exercise, leaving one service member missing, officials said.

Five others were rescued, according to a statement from US Central Command. Officials said the incident was under investigation.

Asked if the crash was linked to a special forces raid, Central Command officials said: “This was a routine training event specifically for US military personnel.”

They added: “Training events such as this are routinely held by US forces within a theatre of operations in order to maintain their proficiency within the operating environment.

“Commanders deemed this location appropriate and safe for a routine training event, considering both the operational environment and weather conditions at the time.”

Yemen is the Arab world's poorest country and is engulfed in a civil war.

The conflict pits Shia rebels known as Houthis and their allies against a Saudi-led coalition which backs the country's internationally recognised government.

The US has provided targeting and logistical support to the Saudi-led coalition, which faces criticism over the killing of civilians by airstrikes.

Yemen is also home to what the US considers the most dangerous branch of the al Qaeda terror network.

US special forces backed by Emirati troops launched a raid in Yemen in January shortly after Donald Trump took office.

It was criticised after a US Navy SEAL and 30 other people, including women, children and an estimated 14 militants died in the raid.

Associated Press