A second US warplane – an A-10 Warthog attack aircraft – has crashed in the Persian Gulf region hours after a F-15 fighter jet was downed over Iran with one crew member still missing.
A second US warplane has reportedly been downed in the Persian Gulf(Image: UGC/AFP via Getty Images)
A second US warplane has plummeted in the Persian Gulf region – coinciding with the downing of a F-15 fighter jet carrying two crew members over Iran.
Tehran claimed it had targeted the A-10 Warthog attack aircraft in southern waters near the Strait of Hormuz. The pilot was safely rescued, according to US officials, reports the New York Times. However US forces continue to search for one of the crew members of the F-15 warplane who has been subjected to a bounty by Iran. The other crew member has been located alive.
Images of what seems to be an ejection seat and other wreckage from the ill-fated aircraft have been showcased by Tehran’s state media. Videos shared on social media appear to depict American jets flying low over southern Iran as part of the search-and-rescue operation.
Other footage seemingly displays Iranians firing at the planes. This follows after civilians were promised a ‘valuable reward’ by a television presenter if they successfully apprehend the pilots.
US President Donald Trump has broken his silence on the planes being downed. When asked by reporters if the incident would affect negotiations, he replied: “No, no, not at all. This is war.”
This comes after Iranian media encouraged civilians to capture the American pilots of a US fighter jet that was shot down over Iran. Civilians were offered a ‘valuable reward’ by the female anchor if they successfully apprehend the pilots.
At least 13 individuals are now confirmed to have perished following strikes on a bridge in Karaj – a city near Tehran in the Alborz province. The B1 bridge was targeted in two waves of strikes on Thursday after Donald Trump threatened to bomb Tehran ‘back to the ‘Stone Age’.
A second strike on the 136-metre structure occurred while emergency services were at the location assisting at least 95 wounded individuals.
Video footage revealed smoke hanging in the atmosphere before a massive explosion generated an even denser cloud rising into the heavens.
The assault inflicted severe damage to the bridge, the highest in the Middle East, with a vast hole visible in the centre of the construction.
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