A helicopter belonging to the Lebanese Army crashed in the Shabaniyah forest in the Hamana area. According to a statement from the Lebanese Army, the helicopter went down during a training flight, resulting in the martyrdom of two officers and the injury of one soldier. Witnesses reported that the helicopter lost balance before crashing in the misty mountainous area filled with dense trees.
The Lebanese Army has cordoned off the crash site and has initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The injured soldier, in stable condition, was transported to the Government Hospital of the Mountain before being transferred to Hôtel-Dieu Hospital.
Prime Minister Najib Mikati contacted Army Commander General Joseph Aoun to inquire about the details of the incident that led to the helicopter's crash. He also extended his condolences for the two fallen officers and wished a swift recovery for the injured soldier.
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut expressed their deepest condolences for the two Lebanese soldiers who lost their lives on Wednesday. Their tweet included the Lebanese Army's statement announcing the martyrdom of two officers and one soldier due to the helicopter crash in Mount Lebanon, attributed to fog and dense forests.
