IAF SAR unit saves flood victims
Crews from the Israeli Air Force’s (IAF) 669 Search and Rescue (SAR) Unit retrieved 16 civilians caught in flooding on 8 January.
Crews from the Israeli Air Force’s (IAF) 669 Search and Rescue (SAR) Unit retrieved 16 civilians caught in flooding on 8 January. One Tayibeh resident had been stranded on the roof of his car and was rescued and transferred to a medical centre by a 669 Unit UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, while 15 people trapped on the roof of a building in Baqa al-Gharbiyye were later retrieved by a 669 Unit CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter.
In response to the turbulent weather conditions, the IAF is prioritising preparation at all bases, and continuing to carry out missions despite heavy rain and wind.
“This week, we have been holding constant situation assessments, changing priorities and making decisions concerning activities at the force’s bases,” said Lieutenant Colonel Eran Baja, commander of the IAF’s meteorology centre, at the time.