Iran Claims Downing Multiple US Aircraft During Rescue Operation

Iran has claimed that its forces shot down multiple United States aircraft during a rescue operation to recover a missing crew member from a downed fighter jet inside its territory. Iranian authorities reported that at least five people were killed during the incident.

According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, a US C-130 transport aircraft was brought down south of Isfahan while participating in the rescue mission. Iranian officials stated that the operation involved coordinated efforts by aerospace units, ground forces, Basij members, and police units.

A spokesperson for Iran’s central military headquarters, Khatam al-Anbiya, said the destroyed aircraft included one C-130 military transport plane and two Black Hawk helicopters. He added that multiple US aircraft were targeted during the operation.

Meanwhile, The New York Times reported that US commandos had established a temporary runway in a remote mountainous area to carry out the rescue mission. Initially, two transport aircraft were deployed but became stranded due to technical issues or difficult conditions.

The report further stated that three additional aircraft were later sent to complete the operation and evacuate personnel. To prevent the stranded aircraft from falling into Iranian control, US forces reportedly destroyed two of their own C-130 planes.

Earlier, the United States confirmed that it had successfully rescued the missing crew member in a high-risk operation involving multiple aircraft. President Donald Trump stated that no American troops were killed or injured during the mission.

The conflicting accounts from both sides highlight the escalating tensions and ongoing military confrontation in the region.