An American airman remains missing behind enemy lines while another has been rescued after a US F15-E Strike Eagle fighter jet was shot down by Iran, as the regime scored an exceedingly rare success against US air power.
The downing of an F15-E, which carries a two-member crew and can conduct both air-to-ground and air-to-air missions, has highlighted the Islamic republic’s continued ability to hit back despite US President Donald Trump’s assertions that it has been “completely decimated”.
The rescue of the downed airman occurred as the US military was conducting a search and rescue operation, said three people familiar with the matter who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitivity of the situation. Israel is helping the US with the operation.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps said it was combing an area near where the pilot’s plane came down in south-western Iran, and the regional governor promised a commendation for anyone who captured or killed “forces of the hostile enemy”. Iranian media said Tehran offered a reward equivalent to $US66,000 ($95,000) to citizens who capture the person alive.
AP, Reuters
