Source The Hindu
A U.S. fighter jet was shot down over Iran on Friday, with American forces successfully rescuing one crew member while search operations continue for the second, according to multiple U.S. media reports.
The aircraft, identified by U.S. officials as an F-15E Strike Eagle, was carrying two crew members when it went down during ongoing military tensions between the United States and Iran. Both individuals are believed to have ejected before the crash.
U.S. special forces launched a high-risk search-and-rescue mission shortly after the incident. One crew member was located and recovered safely and is reportedly receiving medical attention. However, the condition and whereabouts of the second crew member remain unclear, with rescue efforts still underway.
Iranian state media claimed responsibility for shooting down the aircraft, initially describing it as an F-35, though later reports and visual evidence indicated it was an F-15E. Iranian authorities also reportedly initiated their own search efforts in the crash area, raising concerns about the fate of the missing crew member.
The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, as it is among the first confirmed cases of a U.S. manned aircraft being downed within Iranian territory in recent weeks. Military analysts note that such rescue missions are particularly dangerous, often involving aircraft operating deep inside hostile airspace.
U.S. officials have yet to release full details about the circumstances leading to the crash, including whether it was caused by enemy fire or a technical failure. Meanwhile, the situation remains fluid, with both sides closely monitoring developments.
