Washington (CNN) Suicides among active duty military personnel assigned to US Special Operations Command tripled in 2018, in a disturbing and as yet unexplained spike, CNN has learned. Special Operations units saw 22 deaths by suicide in 2018, almost triple the eight cases seen in 2017, according to figures provided to CNN by the command. Like other senior commanders across the military, Gen. Tony Thomas, the four-star head of Special Operations Command, is searching for answers. Suicides among Air Force personnel have generally held steady in the last five years, with 61 in the active and reserve force in 2018. The Veterans Crisis Line and Military Crisis Line1-800-273-8255, press 1The Veterans Crisis Line and Military Crisis Line connect veterans and service members in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring US Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat or text.

Source: CNN February 02, 2019 13:21 UTC