বাংলাA U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle has been shot down over southern Iran, marking a major escalation in the ongoing “Operation Epic Fury.” U.S. officials confirmed on Friday that a specialized combat search and rescue (CSAR) mission is currently active in Khuzestan Province to locate and extract the two-person crew.
The downed aircraft belonged to the 494th Fighter Squadron, usually based at RAF Lakenheath in the UK. This is the first confirmed loss of a U.S. manned fighter jet inside Iranian territory since the conflict began five weeks ago. Images of an ejected ACES II seat found near the town of Lali suggest at least one crew member may have successfully exited the plane.
Search and Rescue Operations in Hostile Territory
Verified footage shows U.S. MC-130J Commando II aircraft and HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters flying low over the Iranian landscape. These specialized assets are performing mid-air refueling while searching for the missing aviators. Iranian state media initially claimed to have downed an F-35 stealth fighter but later released photos of wreckage consistent with an F-15E.
The mountainous terrain of southwestern Iran presents a significant challenge for the rescue teams. Iranian authorities have reportedly offered rewards for the capture of the U.S. pilots. The Pentagon has not officially commented on the status of the crew, emphasizing that personnel recovery remains the top priority at this hour.
Trump Warns of Infrastructure Attacks Amid Oil Price Surge
President Trump issued a stern warning on Truth Social, stating the U.S. military has “yet to begin” destroying Iran’s critical infrastructure. He specifically threatened to target bridges and electric power plants next. This follows recent strikes on Iranian bridges and a surge in global oil prices, which have climbed toward $110 a barrel.
Iran has responded by targeting energy and desalination facilities across the Persian Gulf, including in the UAE. As the war intensifies, international law experts have raised concerns over the targeting of civilian infrastructure. However, the Trump administration remains firm on its objectives to dismantle Iran’s military and missile capabilities completely.
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