US Aircraft Shot Down During Rescue Operation, Iran Claims

A second American aircraft was reportedly destroyed by Iranian forces while assisting in the recovery of a downed F-15 fighter jet.

Following the successful extraction of a US F-15 pilot from mountainous terrain in Iran, President Donald Trump announced that another American aircraft involved in the rescue operation had been shot down in Isfahan province. Iranian authorities stated that this aircraft was engaged while searching for the remaining member of the initial F-15 crew. The downed aircraft was identified as a C-130 class plane, destroyed by a unit of the Iranian police, the Faraj Rangers. Prior to this confirmation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had previously reported the initial downing of the F-15 fighter jet. Amidst the escalating crisis, a US military operation involving numerous aircraft attempted to locate and retrieve the missing airman, who held the rank of colonel. The operation reportedly encountered significant resistance from Iranian forces and culminated in a prolonged firefight. Separately, an A-10 Warthog fighter experienced a crash over Kuwait after being struck, with the pilot successfully ejecting. The extent of any injuries sustained by the crew remains under assessment. The White House emphasized the success of the dual rescue missions, highlighting the absence of American casualties.