U.S. Fighter Jet Shot Down, Bold Rescue in Iran

0:00It's April 5th. Welcome to Dallas News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story. A USF-15E fighter jet got shot down over southwestern Iran on Friday by Iranian Revolutionary Guards. The plane had a two-person crew, and both are now safe after rescue operations. The pilot ejected and got picked up that same day, while the second crew member, a Colonel, serving as weapons officer, was recovered early Sunday. Morning local time, US forces pulled off intense search and rescue missions in hostile territory. Helicopters grabbed the pilot, but took small arms fire, wounding some crew on board, though they landed safely. An A-10 Wardhawk helping out got damaged too, forcing its pilot to eject over the Persian Gulf before getting recovered. President Trump shared the good news Sunday, calling it one of the boldest rescues in US military history. Folks are relieved, both crew members made it out alive, especially since this March the first time an American fighter jet has been downed in combat, in more than 20 years.

1:05This incident stands out amid the Iran War that kicked off late February. The Pentagon notes at least four US jets lost so far, but three were from friendly fire by Kuwaiti defenses on March 1st, with no deaths. Officers say crews carry GPS trackers, beacons, and radios to aid their own survival. Rescues like these highlight the skill of Air Force pair rescuer and the risks they take, with tensions high, including Trump's recent warnings over the Shred of Hormuz, US forces to stay vigilant as the situation evolves.