Washington: The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has taken a serious turn after two US military aircraft were shot down by Iranian air defenses, marking a rare and significant escalation in the war.
According to reports from Associated Press, a US F 15E fighter jet and an A 10 attack aircraft were brought down during operations over or near Iranian territory. One crew member from the F 15E was rescued, while another remains missing. The A 10 pilot was able to eject safely and survive.
The incident is being seen as a major moment in the conflict, as it is the first time in more than two decades that US fighter aircraft have been downed by enemy fire. Officials have confirmed that search and rescue operations are ongoing, with US forces working under difficult and risky conditions to locate the missing crew member.
Reports suggest that rescue helicopters sent to the area also came under fire, adding to the danger of the mission. There are unconfirmed claims that Iranian forces may have reached the missing pilot, but no official confirmation has been given so far.
The broader conflict has now entered its fifth or sixth week, with continued airstrikes by US and Israeli forces targeting Iranian positions. In response, Iran has launched missiles and drones across the region, affecting multiple areas including Israel and key strategic routes.
The fighting has already resulted in significant casualties. Several US service members have been killed, and many others injured. Across the region, the number of casualties continues to rise, raising concerns about a deepening humanitarian crisis.
Despite earlier claims from Donald Trump that Iran had been severely weakened, the latest developments suggest that the country still maintains strong defensive capabilities. Analysts say the downing of advanced US aircraft indicates that the United States does not have complete control of the skies over Iran.
The situation remains tense, with fears of further escalation. Global attention is now focused on the fate of the missing crew member and whether the conflict could expand further in the coming days.