Agencies | Washington: The United States has recovered a second crew member from a downed F-15E Strike Eagle following a “heavy firefight,” marking a significant development in the ongoing high-risk search-and-rescue operation amid the escalating conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran.
A US government official confirmed the recovery, indicating partial success in the mission despite challenging combat conditions. However, the search continues for a missing pilot after the aircraft was shot down in a mountainous region of Iran’s southwestern Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province.
The Pentagon acknowledged that it had been notified of the aircraft’s downing and had earlier informed lawmakers that the status of one crew member was unknown. Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have reportedly urged local residents to hand over the “enemy pilot,” offering rewards through channels linked to state media.
The situation has been further complicated by multiple aerial incidents in the region. Officials cited by international agencies said an A-10 Thunderbolt II was also hit by Iranian fire and crashed over the Gulf, though its pilot ejected safely. Additionally, Iran claimed it targeted US UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters involved in the rescue operation, with reports indicating that the aircraft came under fire but managed to exit Iranian airspace.
Israeli forces have continued parallel operations, with officials vowing to intensify strikes against Iran. Reports indicate that a petrochemical complex was targeted, resulting in casualties, while Iranian state media has also reported deaths from airstrikes in the same southwestern region.
The recovery mission underscores the growing dangers faced by US and allied forces operating in contested airspace, even as Washington maintains that it retains operational control. The conflict has also seen an escalation in drone and missile strikes across the region, targeting key infrastructure and raising fears of a broader confrontation.
With diplomatic efforts stalled and Iran reportedly unwilling to engage in immediate talks, the situation remains volatile. The ongoing hostilities have already resulted in casualties among US personnel, further highlighting the intensifying nature of the conflict and the risks associated with continued military engagement.
