Another US aircraft hit during rescue of downed F-15 crew

Efforts by U.S. forces to recover the crew of a downed F-15E Strike Eagle in Iran intensified on Friday after additional American aircraft involved in the operation came under attack, according to U.S. officials.

Two officials told CBS News that an A-10 Warthog deployed as part of the combat search and rescue mission was struck during the operation, forcing the pilot to eject over the Persian Gulf. The pilot was later successfully recovered.

In a separate incident, one of the helicopters engaged in retrieving crew members from the downed jet was hit by small arms fire. The attack resulted in injuries to personnel on board, although the aircraft was able to land safely. The wounded crew members are currently receiving medical treatment.

The F-15E had earlier been shot down at approximately 06:45 ET (11:45 BST) over southwestern Iran, reportedly within or near Khuzestan Province.

Rescue operations have so far succeeded in recovering one of the two crew members aboard the aircraft, with U.S. forces deploying helicopters for the extraction.

Efforts are ongoing to locate and recover the second crew member.

The incidents highlight the heightened risks surrounding rescue missions in contested airspace amid the ongoing conflict.