A-10 aircraft hit by Iranian air defenses, second US aircraft to go down in the Middle East

A U.S. official confirmed that a second aircraft went down in the Middle East on Friday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive military situation. 

The U.S. A-10 aircraft was hit by Iranian air defenses, Iranian state media reported, citing Iran’s Army public relations office. The A-10, also known by the nickname Warthog, is a single-seat aircraft.

CNN reported that an A-10 Warthog went down near the Strait of Hormuz after Iran’s air defense systems intercepted and targeted it. 

The New York Times reported the pilot was safely rescued and a search-and-rescue operation was underway for a second airman. 

This is the second aircraft that went down in the Middle East on Friday. 

Earlier, a US fighter jet was shot down in Iran. 

Officials told multiple media outlets on Friday that one of the crew members has been rescued. The fate of the second crew member has not been confirmed.

At least one crew member of the jet ejected, an Israeli military officer told the Associated Press. Israel is helping with the operation, said the officer, who was briefed on the information and spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of a U.S. announcement.

Social media footage showed American drones, aircraft and helicopters flying over the mountainous region where the Iranian channel said at least one pilot bailed out of the fighter jet. 

It would be the first time the United States has lost an aircraft in Iranian territory during the five-week war.

Source: AP

--Agencies