A second US fighter plane crashed in the Persian Gulf area after it was hit by Iranian fire – and the lone pilot was safely rescued, according to US officials and a report.
The A-10 Warthog attack plane plunged to the ground near the Strait of Hormuz as it searched for the crew of an Air Force F-15E that was shot down earlier over Iran, a US official told NBC News on Friday afternoon.
The A-10 Warthog crashed over the Persian Gulf (File photo) US AIR FORCE/AFP via Getty ImagesThe Warthog reached air space over Kuwait, where the pilot ejected and the aircraft spiraled down, the officials told the outlet.
Iranian state media also took credit for downing the second plane, claiming it was struck by its air defense forces.
Follow The Post’s coverage on the latest in the peace deal with Iran:
- Fed-up Trump threatens to ‘blow the s–t’ out of Iran — prompting Tehran to storm out of US peace talks
- Vance suggests US, Iran could ‘transform’ relationship but Tehran officials insist they’re not making friends: ‘Primary option is jihad’
- Trump vows to ‘hit Iran very hard again’ if Tehran doesn’t rein in Hezbollah
- Strait of Hormuz closing again, IRGC announces — as US Central Command says commercial traffic has ‘increased’
One pilot of the F-15E hit by Iran was rescued, but another pilot on the jet remains missing.
A search-and-rescue mission for the second crew member was unfolding Friday.
NBC News also reported that two military helicopters were shot by Iranians while involved in the mission but all members are safe.
With Post wires
