Downed US jets trigger rescue race, Iran launches manhunt
Iran’s claim of downing two US warplanes has triggered a high-stakes search-and-rescue operation, as American forces race to recover a missing crew member while Iranian authorities mobilise a parallel manhunt on the ground.
According to Iranian military sources, an F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, while an A-10 Warthog went down near the Gulf during subsequent operations. Of the two crew aboard the F-15E, one has been rescued, while the other – identified by US officials as a weapons systems officer – remains unaccounted for.
US media reports said helicopters deployed for the rescue mission came under fire but were able to return safely. The A-10 pilot, meanwhile, ejected over the Gulf and has been rescued, according to officials.
Iranian authorities say they are continuing search operations for the missing American, but state-affiliated media have also urged civilians to help locate and capture the crew member, offering cash rewards for information.
Unverified footage circulating online appears to show armed civilians searching in southern regions believed to be near the crash site.
The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump has been briefed, though no detailed public statement has been issued on the incidents.
Iran’s military said a “new advanced” air defence system was used to bring down the aircraft, presenting the development as proof of its continued capability to confront US and Israeli forces. However, conflicting reports persist, with some Iranian outlets earlier claiming that an F-35 had been targeted instead of an F-15.
Military analysts warn that any US attempt to recover the missing crew member will be highly risky. Former US naval officer Harlan Ullman said such missions typically involve low-altitude helicopter operations supported by gunships, leaving them vulnerable to enemy fire. He cautioned that delays in locating the missing airman could further complicate the situation.
The incident is considered rare, as US fighter jets have seldom been shot down in recent decades. As both sides intensify efforts on the ground and in the air, the situation remains fluid, with growing concerns that the episode could further escalate tensions in an already volatile regional conflict.
Source: BBC, Al Jazeera