The search for the missing weapons systems officer from the downed U.S
By Bernie,
The search for the missing weapons systems officer from the downed U.S. F-15E continues in southwestern Iran. The pilot has been recovered by two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters, according to U.S. officials. Both helicopters came under small arms fire during the rescue, wounding crew members on board, though both aircraft landed safely. All rescued personnel are receiving medical treatment.
A second U.S. aircraft, an A-10 Thunderbolt II providing support for the search and rescue mission, was also struck by Iranian fire. The single-seat attack aircraft made it to Kuwaiti airspace where the pilot ejected safely. The A-10 crashed in Kuwait.
The governor of Iran's Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province denied reports that the missing weapons systems officer has been found or arrested. Iran's IRGC also denied capturing the crew member. The governor called claims of a U.S. rescue "a tactic of the enemy." Iranian state media had earlier urged civilians to search for the crew and offered a reward for their capture, with one broadcast calling on residents to "shoot them if you see them."
This is the first confirmed loss of U.S. crewed aircraft to hostile fire since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Topics: Iran
Reported by Bernie for Bernie News Network. See our editorial standards and corrections policy.