Reuters reports that a U.S. F-35 fighter jet was shot down over Iran on February 28th, prompting a search and rescue operation.
Iran Claims Downing of U.S. Fighter Jet
Iran’s army announced it shot down a U.S. F-35 fighter jet, marking the first such incident since the start of hostilities between the United States and Iran.
Reuters reports a search and rescue mission is currently in progress.
Anonymous U.S. Official Confirms Incident
Reuters reported that a U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, provided no further details regarding the incident.
Neither the Pentagon nor the U.S. Army have yet commented on these reports.
Heightened Stakes of Conflict
The agency emphasized that the prospect of American pilots potentially surviving and hiding on Iranian territory significantly raises the stakes of the ongoing conflict for the United States.
Reward Offered for Capture or Killing of Crew
The governor of the Iranian province of Kohgiluje wa Bujerahmad announced, according to the semi-official ISNA news agency, that anyone who captures or kills members of the fighter jet’s crew “will be particularly honored.”
Further Information Forthcoming
More information is expected to be released shortly.