Two American jets and a Black Hawk helicopter were downed by Iran on Friday, according to Iranian reports, as the US launched a search operation to rescue pilots in the Iranian territory.
The US has scrambled jets and helicopters after confirming that Iran downed a fighter jet over the country, with one crew member from the US F-15E fighter jet rescued by US forces.
Iranian media reports said the air defense systems successfully downed a US UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter in Iraqi airspace, which was part of the search and rescue mission carried out by the US to locate the pilot of the downed F-15 jet.
Iranian broadcasters issued a warning for the US aircraft and pilot(s), urging residents to hand over any “enemy pilot” to police and promising a reward for anyone who did, with some even urging citizens to “shoot them if you see them”.
