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2025-02-07 Southeast Asia
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US Marine, 3 contractors killed in aircraft crash in southern Philippines
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[GulfNews] Aircraft used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance went down in a rice field
A US Marine and three defence contractors were killed when their aircraft crashed in Maguindanao, southern Philippines, on Thursday, according to the US Indo-Pacific Command and a defense official.
The aircraft, a Beech King Air 300 contracted by the US military, was conducting an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) mission in support of the Philippine government when it went down around 2 pm local time in a rice field in Ampatuan town, the website military.com reported.
NO SURVIVORS
In a statement, the Indo-Pacific Command confirmed:
- No survivors were found.
- The cause of the crash is under investigation.
- The identities of the deceased are being withheld until families are notified.
- A provincial disaster officer told the Associated Press that no civilians were harmed at the crash site, which has been secured by troops.
The aircraft, however, killed a water buffalo when it hit the ground.
CNN, citing publicly available data, reported that the aircraft is registered to Metrea Special Aerospace ISR, Inc..
Metrea’s website shows a Beechcraft King Air 350 – the type of aircraft that crashed – and advertises “integrated, turnkey Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (AISR) solutions to our defense partners.”
The Beechcraft crash occurred just a day after newly-appointed US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held his first call with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
According to an official readout, the two leaders discussed strengthening deterrence in the South China Sea and enhancing the Philippine military’s capabilities.
US MILITARY PRESENCE
The US military frequently operates in the Indo-Pacific as part of efforts to counter Chinese influence and train partner forces.
In the southern Philippines, US forces have long assisted in training Filipino troops battling communist rebels and militants.
The Indo-Pacific Command, one of six US combatant commands, oversees US military operations in the Asia-Pacific, working to protect US territories, allies, and strategic interests. 
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Posted by Clerenter Flolump9830 2025-02-07 06:38||
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Posted by Skidmark 2025-02-07 09:29||
2025-02-07 09:29||
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Posted by swksvolFF 2025-02-07 15:55||
2025-02-07 15:55||
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Posted by SteveS 2025-02-07 16:38||
2025-02-07 16:38||
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Posted by swksvolFF 2025-02-07 20:47||
2025-02-07 20:47||
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