Iran Conflict: US Fighter Pilot Rescued Amid Downed Aircraft Incident

Following reports from US and Israeli media, one of two crew members from a US fighter jet shot down over Iran has been recovered, while efforts to locate the second pilot continue. The rescued individual is believed to be alive, according to CBS News, which cited two unnamed US sources. Similar accounts were shared by Israel’s public broadcaster Kan and online outlet Walla, both referencing Western security intelligence. President Donald Trump was reportedly informed of the situation, though no official statements have been released by the White House or Department of Defense.

Israeli Strikes Expand Across Iran and Lebanon

On Friday, the Israeli military (IDF) launched attacks on “terror infrastructure” in Beirut, the Lebanese capital, as reported by Reuters and AFP correspondents. Loud explosions were heard throughout the city, with local media indicating the strikes targeted the southern suburbs. This area, a key stronghold of Iran-backed Hezbollah, saw thousands of residents evacuate hours before the assault. The IDF also claimed to have carried out strikes in Tehran, intensifying pressure on Iran’s regime. “In addition to the Beirut strikes, the IDF has initiated a broad campaign targeting Iranian infrastructure in the capital,” the military stated.

UN Peacekeepers Face Escalating Risks

The UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, reported three injuries after an explosion struck its position near El Adeisse. This marks the third such incident in a week, with the force urging all parties to protect its personnel. “We do not yet know the origin of the explosion,” a UNIFIL statement said, emphasizing the need for nearby combat activities to be avoided. Peacekeepers have been stationed along the Israel-Lebanon border since 1978, monitoring tensions that have risen sharply after Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on Israel in early March.

“If you capture the enemy pilot or pilots alive and hand them over to the police and military forces, you will receive a valuable reward and bonus,” said an Iranian television reporter on an official local channel.

Iran has deployed troops and offered a bounty for information about the US Air Force personnel reportedly downed in southwestern Iran. The state-run Fars news agency confirmed the search operation, appealing to residents of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province to assist. Meanwhile, international media noted that US Central Command (CENTCOM) had not yet responded to inquiries, though The New York Times and Reuters cited US and Israeli officials acknowledging the incident and confirming a search-and-rescue effort to secure survivors before Iranian forces.