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Iran’s armed forces has claimed that the United States operation to rescue a crew member of a downed American fighter jet failed.
The Fars news agency cited the Central Command of the Iranian Armed Forces, Khatam al-Anbiya, saying, “Attempts by the enemy to rescue the downed fighter pilot were thwarted”.
AFP also quoted Khatam al-Anbiya to have said, “The enemy’s intruding aircrafts in southern Isfahan — including two Black Hawk helicopters and one C-130 military transport aircraft — were struck and are now burning”.
The US and Iran have been attempting to locate a second crew member of an F-15E since Friday. US President Donald Trump, however, said on Sunday that the officer had been recovered in a search and rescue operation.
Iran’s state media shared images of charred wreckage scattered across a desert area, with smoke still emanating from the site.
AFP reported that Iranian media reported that strikes during the rescue operation killed five people in southwestern Iran, though it was not immediately clear whether they were civilians or military personnel.
Since Friday, Iranian media have also shared footage showing local residents, some carrying flags and rifles, searching for the pilot after authorities announced bounties for information.
Trump said the second crew member was “SAFE and SOUND” following the operation early on Sunday morning.
