One of the two crew members of a U.S. warplane shot down by Iran remains missing. According to the British newspaper The Telegraph, U.S. special forces reportedly entered Iran late Friday (April 3, local time) in an effort to locate the missing airman. However, as of the time of writing, neither U.S. nor Iranian military officials have officially confirmed this report.
Earlier that day, Iran claimed it had downed a U.S. F-15 fighter jet within its airspace. This marks the first reported destruction of a U.S. warplane by Iranian forces since the conflict began on February 28. Following the incident, both Iran and the United States launched efforts to find the two crew members.
After the crash, a rescue mission involving two U.S. military helicopters and a low-flying aerial refueling aircraft was carried out. One of the crew members was successfully rescued during the operation. Reports indicate that the rescue team came under light weapons fire while conducting the mission.
Officials said both helicopters sustained damage from the attack. One of them was seen emitting smoke while returning through Iraqi airspace, though both aircraft ultimately managed to land safely.
As of Friday night, the second U.S. airman remained unaccounted for. Meanwhile, footage broadcast on Iranian state media showed local militia groups searching various areas in an effort to locate him. A reward of approximately $60,000 has reportedly been offered for his capture.
In a separate development the same night, another U.S. A-10 Warthog was reported to have crashed near the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. officials confirmed that the pilot of that aircraft has been rescued.
When asked what actions might be taken if harm comes to the missing airman, U.S. President Donald Trump declined to comment. In an interview, he said, “I cannot say anything on this matter, as we hope such a situation does not occur.”
US special forces enter Iran in search of missing pilot
