U.S. Pilot Critically Injured in Dramatic Christmas Day Drone Attack

In a stunning and heart-wrenching turn of events, a video surfacing on social media has revealed a catastrophic drone strike on Christmas day that has left an 82nd Airborne Division pilot critically injured. The attack, which took place at al-Harir airbase in Erbil, Iraq, has sent shockwaves through the military community.

U.S. Pilot Critically Injured in Dramatic Christmas Day Drone Attack(Photo: Obozrevatel)

Christmas Day Drone Attack

The video footage circulating on various social media platforms has shed light on the harrowing moments when a devastating drone attack struck the al-Harir airbase in Erbil. The distressing visuals depict a massive explosion, extensive debris, and billowing smoke, indicating the magnitude of the attack.

United States sources have pointed to the Iraqi Shia militant group Kataib Hezbollah as the alleged perpetrator behind the drone attack. Pentagon officials have refrained from confirming the video’s authenticity, though the implications are gravely concerning.

Task & Purpose reports confirm that the strike, while not directly targeting a base structure, resulted in significant damage to nearby infrastructure, causing multiple injuries to U.S. and Coalition forces who work and reside in the vicinity.

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Pilot’s Severe Injuries

The severely wounded soldier has been identified as Chief Warrant Officer 4 Garrett Illerbrunn, a brave pilot serving in the 82nd Airborne Division and stationed at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. Shrapnel from the drone attack’s direct impact gave Illerbrunn a serious head injury.

Melissa Young, a close family friend of Illerbrunn, shared that the critically injured pilot was swiftly airlifted to a hospital in Germany following the attack. He is currently in intensive care, battling a host of severe injuries that have left his loved ones and the community deeply concerned.

According to reports, three troops were injured in the Christmas Day attack, with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirming the distressing news and emphasizing the commitment to safeguarding personnel and facilities amid escalating tensions.

This terrible event is a stark reminder of how unstable the conflict in the area is and how brave service members have given up while doing their jobs.

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