As fighting continues in the Middle East, Iran has reportedly shot down a U.S. fighter jet, according to multiple reports.
Axios said Friday that two sources familiar with the incident said the jet had been shot down. Per the outlet, a search and rescue effort is now underway to locate the two-person crew. As of 12:30 p.m. ET, Axios reported U.S. Special Forces had rescused one of the crew members, who was alive.
CBS News said that U.S. officials also confirmed that a search and recuse mission is underway. A search for the second crew member continues.
“It’s the first time since the beginning of the war that a U.S. jet was downed by enemy fire,” said Axios. It also said “the U.S. military and the White House didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.”
However, Iranian state media published pictures and videos that allegedly show parts of the downed plane and one of the ejection seats, the outlet said. These photos appear to show an F-15 fighter jet.
“Iranian state television channels called on civilians in the area where the jet was downed to search for the crew members, and said whoever finds them will be rewarded by the government,” Axios added.
Just hours before the reports about the jet started coming in, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to post about the conflict, which began when the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in late February. This move has been met with a lack of support from the American public, especially since a blockade at the Strait of Hormuz has caused oil prices in the U.S. to shoot up and 13 servicemembers have been killed in the fighting.
“With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE. IT WOULD BE A “GUSHER” FOR THE WORLD???” said Trump in his Friday post.
