New Delhi: Two United States military aircraft were hit during the ongoing war with Iran, leaving one pilot missing while two others were rescued in separate incidents. The development marks the first confirmed case of an American aircraft being brought down during the current conflict that began after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28.
The first aircraft, the F-15E Strike Eagle, was shot down over Iranian territory. The two seat fighter jet carries both a pilot and a weapons systems officer. US forces managed to rescue one of the crew members in a special operation, while the second remains missing, triggering an ongoing search effort in the region.
A second aircraft, the A-10 Thunderbolt II, was also hit during operations in the area. The aircraft crashed after sustaining damage, but the pilot ejected safely and was later recovered.
During the rescue mission, two Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters that were assisting in the search for the missing crew member were also struck by Iranian fire. Despite the damage, both helicopters managed to exit Iranian airspace safely.
The incident has heightened tensions in the region as the conflict continues to expand. Iranian forces have reportedly begun combing areas near the crash site in southwestern Iran in an effort to locate the missing pilot. Local authorities also announced a reward for anyone who could capture the US airman alive.
Meanwhile, the White House confirmed that Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation. Speaking about the development, he said the loss of the aircraft would not affect ongoing negotiations with Iran, describing it as part of wartime realities.
The war, which began after US and Israeli forces launched strikes that killed Iranian leader Ali Khamenei, has already resulted in significant casualties across the region. The downing of the aircraft highlights the continued intensity of the conflict and the risks faced by military operations in the region.
