WASHINGTON: A second US Air Force combat aircraft crashed in the Gulf region on Friday, according to a report by The New York Times, as tensions with Iran continued to escalate.
Citing US officials, the report said the A-10 Warthog attack plane went down near the Strait of Hormuz, while its pilot was safely rescued. The crash occurred around the same time an F-15E Strike Eagle was reportedly shot down over Iran.
Meanwhile, Iranian media claimed that a US helicopter involved in search-and-rescue operations for the downed jetโs crew was struck by a projectile. The semi-official Mehr News Agency published images it said showed the damaged aircraft but did not confirm casualties.
In contrast, Newsmax reported that a US Black Hawk helicopter was hit but managed to exit Iranian airspace. According to the outlet, one pilot was rescued and is receiving medical treatment, while the status of another crew member remains unclear.
Earlier, US media outlets including Axios and CBS News reported that US forces had already rescued one crew member from the downed fighter jet, while search efforts continued for the second.
Additionally, reports from CNN indicated that analysis of released images confirmed the aircraft was an F-15 rather than an F-35, contradicting some Iranian claims.
Officials said US President Donald Trump had been briefed on the situation. Consequently, the incidents highlight growing risks to US forces operating in the ุงูู ูุทูุฉ amid ongoing hostilities.
