U.S. Spy Plane Crashed At U.A.E. Air Base

22 June 2005 (RFE/RL) -- The state news agency of the United Arab Emirates, WAM, reports that the U.S. Air Force U-2 spy plane that was reported down somewhere in southwest Asia earlier today crashed during landing at an air base in the U.A.E.

The agency quoted an official as saying that "U.S. Army authorities are investigating and the U.A.E. is offering the required assistance for this matter."

The agency noted that "the United States has an agreement with the United Arab Emirates that allows it to use some of the military installations in the country."

The U.S. military said in a statement released earlier today that its U-2 spy plane crashed in Southwest Asia killing its pilot.

The statement said the pilot completed flying a mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and was returning to base when the crash occurred last night.

However, the military did not confirm the location of the crash, "due to host-nation sensitivities."

(AFP)