A second US military aircraft, an A-10 Warthog, crashed in the Persian Gulf region shortly after an F-15E was reportedly shot down over Iran on Friday.
US Aircraft Downed Near Strait of Hormuz
Reuters reported that a US Air Force A-10 Warthog attack aircraft crashed in the Persian Gulf region. Sources indicate the crash occurred near the Strait of Hormuz around the same time an F-15E was shot down over Iran.
The pilot of the A-10 was rescued, and there were no other individuals on board. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain unknown.
Iran Claims Downing of US Fighter Jet
Earlier on Friday, Iran claimed to have shot down a US Air Force fighter jet. Initially, the Iranian army stated it had downed an F-35, but state television later reported shooting down an F-15E.
Two US officials confirmed to CBS News that an F-15E was indeed shot down. A search and rescue operation was launched to locate the crew.
Search and Rescue Operation Underway
Media outlets including Axios and CNN report that a search and rescue operation is ongoing in the Chuzestan region of the Persian Gulf, near the border with Iraq. CNBC reported that one of the two crew members has been recovered by US special forces.
Iran Offers Reward, Israel Pauses Attacks
Iranian television announced a reward for information leading to the capture of any Americans involved. Axios reported that Israel has paused planned attacks due to the ongoing rescue operation.
US Black Hawk Hit During Rescue Attempt
Newsmax reported, citing sources, that a US Black Hawk multi-mission helicopter was hit over Iran during the rescue operation following the F-15E downing. The Black Hawk crew is safe, while one F-15E crew member remains missing, and the other was rescued by US special forces.
