Iranian Media Report US Helicopter Hit During Rescue Mission
Search Operation Linked to Downed Fighter Jet
Istanbul
Iranian media reported on Friday that a US helicopter was hit while taking part in a search-and-rescue mission for the pilot of a downed American fighter jet.
The semi-official Mehr News Agency stated that the helicopter was involved in efforts to locate a pilot from a US aircraft that Iran claims to have shot down earlier.
Limited Details on Incident
The agency released images that it said show the damaged helicopter. However, it did not provide further information about casualties or the exact circumstances of the incident.
US Response and Pilot Rescue
Earlier, the White House confirmed that Donald Trump had been briefed on reports of a US fighter jet—possibly an F-15—being shot down over Iran.
Meanwhile, CBS News reported, citing US officials, that American forces successfully rescued one crew member from the aircraft.
Rising Regional Tensions
The situation unfolds amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. The region has remained on alert since February 28, when US and Israeli forces launched a large-scale air offensive on Iran, resulting in over 1,340 deaths, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
In response, Iran has carried out drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military bases. These attacks have caused casualties, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted global markets and aviation.
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