STATEMENT: U.S. Aircraft Crashes in Djibouti, Four Fatalities

During a routine flight, a U.S. military aircraft crashed approximately six miles from the Djibouti International Airport, Djibouti, February 18, 2012. <br /> <br />All four U.S. military personnel on board died. <br /> <br />The accident



By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs U.S. AFRICOM Public Affairs STUTTGART, Germany Feb 19, 2012
During a routine flight, a U.S. military aircraft crashed approximately six miles from the Djibouti International Airport, Djibouti, February 18, 2012.

All four U.S. military personnel on board died.

The accident occurred at approximately 8 p.m. local. U.S. military personnel were dispatched to the scene to provide immediate response assistance and secure the crash site.

A safety board investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the incident.

The names of the service members will not be released until after the primary next of kin have been notified.
More in Media Room
U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes Targeting ISIS-Somalia
U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes Targeting ISIS-Somalia
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia from Feb. 22-26, and Feb. 28, 2026.The airstrikes occurred in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, approximately 70km southeast of Bossaso.
Read more
Justified Accord 2026 begins in Kenya, Tanzania, Djibouti
Justified Accord 2026 begins in Kenya, Tanzania, Djibouti
Exercise Justified Accord 2026 (JA26), U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual, multinational exercise in East Africa, officially begins today across Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), JA26 integrates approximately 1,500 personnel from Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, the United States and several other nations to build readiness, deepen partnerships and strengthen regional security.
Read more
AFRICOM Tech Expo connects innovators with mission-critical needs
AFRICOM Tech Expo connects innovators with mission-critical needs
The Kelley Barracks fitness center transformed into a hub of innovation as U.S. Africa Command personnel connected with technology experts at the AFRICOM Tech Expo, Feb. 24, 2026.
Read more
More in Media Room
U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes Targeting ISIS-Somalia
U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes Targeting ISIS-Somalia
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia from Feb. 22-26, and Feb. 28, 2026.The airstrikes occurred in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, approximately 70km southeast of Bossaso.
Read more
Justified Accord 2026 begins in Kenya, Tanzania, Djibouti
Justified Accord 2026 begins in Kenya, Tanzania, Djibouti
Exercise Justified Accord 2026 (JA26), U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual, multinational exercise in East Africa, officially begins today across Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), JA26 integrates approximately 1,500 personnel from Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, the United States and several other nations to build readiness, deepen partnerships and strengthen regional security.
Read more
AFRICOM Tech Expo connects innovators with mission-critical needs
AFRICOM Tech Expo connects innovators with mission-critical needs
The Kelley Barracks fitness center transformed into a hub of innovation as U.S. Africa Command personnel connected with technology experts at the AFRICOM Tech Expo, Feb. 24, 2026.
Read more
More in Media Room
U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes Targeting ISIS-Somalia
U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes Targeting ISIS-Somalia
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia from Feb. 22-26, and Feb. 28, 2026.The airstrikes occurred in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, approximately 70km southeast of Bossaso.
Read more
Justified Accord 2026 begins in Kenya, Tanzania, Djibouti
Exercise Justified Accord 2026 (JA26), U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual, multinational exercise in East Africa, officially begins today across Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), JA26 integrates approximately 1,500 personnel from Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, the United States and several other nations to build readiness, deepen partnerships and strengthen regional security.
Read more
AFRICOM Tech Expo connects innovators with mission-critical needs
The Kelley Barracks fitness center transformed into a hub of innovation as U.S. Africa Command personnel connected with technology experts at the AFRICOM Tech Expo, Feb. 24, 2026.
Read more