Joint Task Force North reported that a military helicopter crash near the southern border in Texas resulted in the tragic loss of three individuals—two soldiers and one U.S. Border Patrol agent.
The incident occurred around 2:50 p.m. MST and involved a UH-72 Lakota helicopter that was part of the federal Southwest border support mission.
The crash happened near Rio Grande City, Texas, during aviation operations.
A statement released by Joint Task Force North on Friday evening confirmed the fatalities and mentioned that one soldier was injured in the accident. The names of the deceased are being withheld until their families are notified.
An investigation is currently being conducted to determine the cause of the crash as authorities seek to understand the events leading up to this heartbreaking incident.
Victor Escalon, the South Texas Regional Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, confirmed that aside from the three deaths, at least four other individuals sustained critical injuries in the incident.
The aircraft involved was a military helicopter under federal jurisdiction and was not part of Operation Lone Star, the state’s border enforcement program that includes the National Guard and other law enforcement agencies.
The crash site is known for cartel operations, as highlighted by a concerning report from Fox News National correspondent Bill Melugin.
A Border Patrol insider revealed that cartel members used a drone to monitor a helicopter, which later crashed.
The cartel then shared footage of the crash site on social media platforms associated with their group, reportedly making fun of the incident.
The location of the crash in La Grulla is recognized for its involvement in drug and human trafficking, making it a prime area for illegal activities across the border.
“Per Border Patrol source, cartel members were watching the helicopter on their drone when it crashed, then they zoomed into the crash site and laughed about it. Posted on cartel social media,” Melugin wrote on X.
WATCH:
BREAKING: Per Border Patrol source, cartel members were watching the helicopter on their drone when it crashed, then they zoomed into the crash site and laughed about it. Posted on cartel social media. The La Grulla area sees frequent cartel activity via drug & human smuggling. pic.twitter.com/WC9IhFolat
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) March 9, 2024
