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Rescue mission underway after US fighter jet downed over Iran

Jared Szuba

Apr 3, 2026

WASHINGTON — Combat search-and-rescue efforts were underway for the crew of a US fighter jet shot down over southwestern Iran on Friday, two US officials confirmed to Al-Monitor.

Videos circulating on social media appeared to show wreckage from part of a US F-15E. The fate of the crew remains unclear.

Several other videos circulated on social media showing a US C-130J flanked by two Pave Hawk helicopters circling low over a rural area south of the city of Lali, in Iran's southwestern Khuzestan province. 

Iranian police asked residents in the region to join the search for the pilots, The Associated Press reported, citing Iranian state media. “If you capture the enemy pilot or pilots alive and hand them over to the police, you will receive a precious prize,” a statement read on Iranian state television, according to the AP. 

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Related Topics

Iran-US tensions Iran-Israel conflict

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