Tehran, MINA – Iranian reports have raised serious doubts about US claims surrounding a downed fighter jet, as a senior military source told Tasnim News Agency that American forces are trying to kill a missing pilot rather than rescue him.
Quds News Network (QNN) reports on Saturday, the source said US forces lost hope in locating the pilot and began launching strikes near the crash site. Reports indicate that American fighter jets fired three missiles in the Kooh-e Siah area, close to where the aircraft was downed.
An Iranian military source said the strikes suggest an attempt to eliminate the pilot to prevent his capture by Iranian forces. The source added that Washington has not disclosed the full truth about the incident.
The source refused to confirm or deny reports about the capture of a second pilot. However, the source stressed that US officials have not been transparent about the fate of the first pilot, whom they claimed to have rescued.
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The incident began after Iranian air defenses shot down a US fighter jet, identified by some reports as an F-15 Eagle. The aircraft carried two crew members, and both reportedly ejected before the crash.
US reports, cited by Axios, claimed that American forces rescued one crew member, while the second remains missing. US forces have launched an intensive search and rescue mission in or near Iranian territory.
The operation involves helicopters, C-130 Hercules support planes, and additional fighter jets. clashes have taken place between US rescue units and Iranian forces during these efforts, hitting at least two jets. []
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
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