West Asia War: US jet shot down over Iran; one crew member rescued

As West Asia continues to be embroiled in one of its worst conflicts yet, a US fighter jet was shot down over Iran, triggering a search and rescue operation for possible survivors, a US official told Reuters on Friday. Meanwhile, AP reported citing sources that one crew member from the downed jet has been rescued.

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Two US sources told Reuters the aircraft was a two-seat F-15E, and a search operation remains underway which, AP reported citing sources, is being aided by Israel.


Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps said it was combing an area in southwestern Iran where the jet came down, while Iranian media reported US helicopters flying low on apparent search missions.

This marked the first such reported incident since the US launched its war with Iran on February 28.

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The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, did not provide further details. The Pentagon and US Central Command also did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.

According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, US President Donald Trump "has been briefed" on the incident.

Moreover, according to reports, the governor of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province said anyone who captured or killed the crew “would be specially commended,” according to the semi-official ISNA news agency. An AP report further mentioned that a new anchor for an TV channel from the province encouraged residents to deliver "enemy pilots" in exchange for a reward.