Iran shoots down two US warplanes, announces reward for those capturing pilot

TEHRAN: Iran has shot down two US warplanes amid escalating tensions in the region. American media reported that two pilots, who were on the planes, were rescued by the US special forces. The report also hints that a third pilot has been captured by Iran.

One of the warplanes that crashed was a US F-15 Strike Eagle. The second plane was an A-10 Warthog Fighter plane. This Air Force fighter jet usually carries a pilot and a weapons systems officer. It is not yet clear which of them has been rescued. The second aircraft shot down was an A-10 Warthog. It crashed in Kuwait, and the pilot managed to eject safely.

Meanwhile, two Black Hawk helicopters involved in search operations for the missing pilot were also attacked by Iran. However, they reportedly escaped after moving outside Iranian airspace.

The United States has not yet officially responded to the crash of the aircraft. However, U.S. President Donald Trump told a media outlet that this is an act of war, but targeting the aircraft will not affect ongoing discussions with Iran.

At the same time, some reports claim that the Iranian government has announced a reward for anyone who captures the missing US pilot alive. An Iranian governor reportedly promised rewards for anyone who captures or kills “enemy soldiers.” Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also stated that search operations are ongoing near the crash site in southwestern Iran.