By Festus Damilare Ukolo | Fact Frontier.
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Iranian security forces, supported by local residents, are conducting an extensive search operation for a missing American crew member following the downing of a US fighter jet over southwestern Iran, with state-affiliated media reporting that authorities have offered a financial reward for his capture.
The F-15E Strike Eagle, carrying two crew members, was shot down by Iranian air defence systems on Friday. It is the first confirmed loss of a US fighter jet inside Iranian territory since the commencement of hostilities on February 28. According to US and Israeli officials cited by The New York Times, Iranian claims of having shot down the aircraft have been corroborated. While a US military rescue operation successfully recovered one crew member, the weapon systems officer remains unaccounted for. A second US aircraft, an A-10 Warthog participating in the rescue mission, was also reportedly downed over the Persian Gulf; that pilot was subsequently rescued.
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Public Appeal and Monetary Incentive
In an official statement relayed by a local television channel, Iranian police urged residents of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province to join the search for the missing pilot or pilots. The statement offered a bounty for the capture of any US servicemen. Subsequent reports indicated that the reward may amount to approximately $60,000. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has deployed personnel to comb the rugged terrain of the region, where the pilot is believed to have ejected.
Official Statements and Regional Sentiment
Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, asserted via social media that the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign had been “downgraded from regime change” to an operation focused on recovering downed aircrew. Meanwhile, Iranian citizens, who have endured weeks of American airstrikes, have expressed support for the military’s actions online.
The search operation continues as both US special forces and Iranian security personnel race to locate the missing serviceman. No official confirmation has been issued by either government regarding whether any US personnel have been captured at this time. The incident has raised concerns over further escalation in the region.
