U.S. fighter jet downed over Iran; one crew member rescued, search continues

U.S. fighter jet downed over Iran; one crew member rescued, search continues
F-15 fighter jets from Tyndall Air Force Base in Daytona Beach, Florida, 14 February 2018.
Reuters

One crew member from a U.S. fighter jet reportedly shot down over Iran has been rescued by U.S. forces, CBS News reported Friday, citing two U.S. officials. 

A search-and-rescue operation is ongoing for the remaining crew member, Reuters reported.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said no further details were immediately available. The Pentagon and U.S. Central Command have not yet commented.

According to Axios, citing Iranian media and a source familiar with the incident, if confirmed, this would be the first time a U.S. jet has been downed by enemy fire since the start of the war.

Iranian state media released images and video purportedly showing debris from the crash site, including aircraft fragments and an ejection seat. Initial assessments suggest the aircraft may have been an F‑15 fighter jet.

Meanwhile, a governor in southwestern Iran told the semi-official ISNA news agency that anyone who captures or kills the crew “will be specially commended.” Iranian authorities have reportedly urged the public to help locate the crew, with rewards mentioned for their capture.

The reports have not been independently verified and there is no official confirmation from Washington.

The situation remains tense, with international attention focused on the ongoing search and potential regional security implications.

Tags