Search for the missing crew member of a US fighter jet that went down over southwestern Iran entered its second day on Saturday, mentioned a report by NBC News, as Iranian officials pushed back against reports that the US crew member had been captured.
One pilot from the two-seat F-15E Strike Eagle shot down on Friday However, the second crew member is still missing, mentioned the report – citing a US official.
On Saturday, Iranian authorities along with Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) denied reports that the missing pilot had been found or detained – as per Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency.
F-15E fighter jet shot down by Iran
Downing of the US fighter jet marks the first time in the month-long conflict with Iran that the US has lost a fighter jet, raising speculation of a dramatic escalation in the conflict between US-Israel and Iran.
Reports on Friday stated that Israel is helping the US with search and rescue operation of the missing crew member.
Earlier, the Iranian regime had urged people living in the area to look for the crew members as it shared pictures of a downed fighter jet on state television screens.
Iranian officials reportedly issued a public plea for locals to find the American crew member, offering a reward equivalent to $60,000, mentioned NBC’s report – citing official and semi-official Iranian news organizations.
(This is a developing story. Keep checking for more updates)
