WASHINGTON, December 1 (Sputnik) — The United States is investigating the F-16 fighter jet crash in the Middle East that killed a US citizen, a statement issued on Monday by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
"First responders remain on the scene. The cause of the incident is under investigation," the release read. "It is the US military's policy to defer identification until 24 hours after next-of-kin notification."
CENTCOM stated that a US Air Force pilot was killed as a result of an F-16 Fighting Falcon crashing in a non-combat-related incident on November 30. The crash happened during the return of the jet to the base in the Middle East not long after it had taken off.
The release stressed the incident did not happen in Syria or Iraq, where the US-led international coalition is conducting airstrikes against the positions of Islamic State.
