An Air Force F-16 crashed at Balad AB, Iraq during its takeoff at 4:55 p.m. July 15 (Baghdad time). The pilot ejected safely. The Viper was slated for a close air support mission at the time of the accident, which is under investigation.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
