BREAKING: an operation is underway to rescue the two pilots
Sources confirm that the following story has emerged from the international scene.
The new details generated with AI indicate that Iran claims to have shot down a US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter during a combat mission in the south of the country.
Images of fragments of the plane and an ejection seat have been released, suggesting that at least one of the pilots managed to eject. The United States has deployed specialized rescue aircraft to the area, while operations to locate the two pilots continue.
Iranian authorities and media have called on the civilian population to collaborate in the capture of the American pilot.
The Iranian armed forces claimed responsibility this Friday for the downing of a US fighter jet while it was carrying out an operation in southern Iran. State media of the Islamic Republic published images of aircraft fragments, reportedly from an F-15E Strike Eagle of the 494th Fighter Squadron of the US Air Force.
The Pentagon has not yet officially commented. However, the Axios portal, citing a source familiar with the incident, confirmed the downing, marking the first loss of a US military aircraft since the war began on February 28.
A photograph has circulated showing what appears to be an ejection seat from the aircraft, reinforcing the idea that at least one of the two pilots ejected before impact.
Iranian channels have broadcast videos showing US aircraft and helicopters specialized in rescue missions flying over Kohkiluyeh and Buyer Ahmad province in southern Iran.
These reportedly include HC-130J Combat King II and HH-60G Pave Hawk aircraft, both used in combat search and rescue operations, indicating an ongoing effort to recover the crew.
A spokesperson for the unified combat command of the Iranian Armed Forces initially identified the aircraft as an F-35. However, military analysts and independent observers later suggested that the wreckage corresponds to an F-15E based on visible components such as parts of the stabilizer.
A presenter from Iran’s Mehr news agency publicly called on civilians to assist in locating and capturing the pilot.
Although Iran had previously claimed to have downed other aircraft during the five weeks of conflict, this is the first time it has released what appears to be visual evidence and directly appealed for public involvement in locating crew members.
Reports also mention that a McDonnell-Douglas ACES II ejection seat, used in the F-15E, was found by residents in southern Iran. The condition and whereabouts of the pilot and weapons systems officer remain unknown, with unconfirmed reports suggesting one or both may still be missing.
Days earlier, Iran had claimed to have damaged an F-35. The Pentagon responded only by stating that the aircraft made an emergency landing at a base in the Persian Gulf after a combat mission, without confirming whether it had been hit.
Videos circulating online show an HC-130J Combat King II and an MH-60G Pave Hawk flying over southern Iran, reinforcing the likelihood of an active search and rescue operation in the area where the F-15E is believed to have gone down.
Analysis and Perspective:
Experts suggest this event marks a turning point that may influence policy decisions worldwide.
This is part of a broader trend that has been reshaping the geopolitical landscape in recent months.
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Source: This article was originally published in another language by El Español – Home and has been translated and adapted for our global English-speaking audience. Read the original article here.