Efforts by United States forces to rescue the crew of a downed F-15E Strike Eagle in Iran faced renewed danger on Friday, as additional American aircraft involved in the mission were attacked, U.S. officials have confirmed.
According to two officials who spoke to CBS News, an A-10 Warthog deployed for the combat search-and-rescue operation was struck during the mission, forcing its pilot to eject over the Persian Gulf. The pilot was later safely recovered.
In a separate incident, a helicopter participating in the recovery effort came under small arms fire, leaving some personnel on board injured. Despite the attack, the aircraft managed to land safely, and the wounded crew members are currently receiving medical attention.
The F-15E Strike Eagle had earlier been shot down around 06:45 ET over southwestern Iran, reportedly near Khuzestan Province.
Rescue teams have so far recovered one of the two crew members aboard the jet, with helicopters deployed for the operation. Search efforts are ongoing to locate the second crew member.
The developments underscore the growing risks faced by U.S. forces conducting rescue missions in contested airspace amid ongoing hostilities.
