DUBAI: US and Iranian forces are reportedly conducting parallel search operations for a missing American pilot after a US fighter jet was shot down in Iran, according to media reports.
Citing sources, CBS News reported that a search-and-rescue mission is underway in southern Iran following the downing of a US F-15 aircraft. While one crew member has reportedly been rescued, the fate of the second pilot remains unknown.
Iranian state media also confirmed that its security forces are searching for the missing pilot, BBC reported.
In a related development, Iran has claimed it shot down a second US warplane over the Persian Gulf. US media reported that an A-10 aircraft came under fire near the Strait of Hormuz during the rescue mission, but the pilot successfully ejected and was safely recovered.
Meanwhile, explosions and strikes continue to be reported across the region, including in Tehran and parts of Syria. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israeli attacks have destroyed a significant portion of Iran’s steel production capacity and signaled that military operations by Israel and the US would continue.
(Inputs from BBC)
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