Search Operation Begins for Downed US F-35 Pilot in Iran
The public relations office of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that a second advanced US F-35 fighter jet was targeted by air defense systems over central regions of the country and was completely shot down. According to this institution, the jet belonged to the “Lakenheath” squadron and was totally destroyed upon impact.
An initial statement indicated that due to the severity of the destruction, the fate of the pilot was unknown. However, later reports released images showing the pilot’s seat relatively intact, raising the possibility that the pilot may still be alive.
Some local sources also reported sighting two helicopters in the western and southern areas of Iran, reportedly dispatched to search for the pilot. It remains unclear whether these helicopters belong to Iranian forces or the opposing side. Meanwhile, military forces have commenced search operations, and organized reports indicate the involvement of tribal groups and local forces in monitoring the area.
The local Yasuj TV network also announced in response to this event that anyone spotting the American pilot(s) should report it. The announcement mentioned a reward for those providing information.
So far, official US authorities have not responded to these claims, and further details about how this incident occurred are not yet available.
