Al Jazeera • 4/3/2026

Iranian military forces have initiated a search operation to locate the crew of a downed U.S. fighter jet, as reported by the Fars news agency. A U.S. official confirmed that the aircraft, identified as an F-15E fighter jet, was downed over Iran during Operation Epic Fury. This incident marks the first time a manned American aircraft has been lost over Iran in this operation. Following the confirmation of the crash, search efforts for the crew members commenced immediately. Reports indicate that one crew member has been successfully rescued, while efforts to locate another crew member are still ongoing. The U.S. military has launched a rescue mission in response to the incident, coordinating these efforts with support from Israeli media sources, which have provided updates on the situation. The ongoing search operation underscores the urgency of recovering the remaining crew member and highlights the risks faced by military personnel operating in the region. The downing of the fighter jet has raised concerns regarding the safety of U.S. military personnel in the area. As the situation develops, the U.S. military continues to prioritize the recovery of the remaining crew member. Further details regarding the circumstances of the crash and the ongoing rescue efforts are expected to emerge as the situation unfolds. The incident reflects the ongoing tensions in the region and the complexities involved in military operations.
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