U.S. forces are conducting an intensive search-and-rescue operation after Iran shot down an F-15E fighter jet on Friday. One member of the two-person crew was rescued, while the other airman remains missing as efforts continued overnight and into a second day. An A-10 Warthog participating in the rescue was also hit; that pilot ejected safely over the Persian Gulf. Helicopters that recovered the rescued pilot came under ground fire, and a Black Hawk that transported the airman was struck, injuring people aboard. Fragments of the F-15, including what appeared to be an ejection seat, were posted on Iranian social media. Iranian state television has reportedly offered a reward for anyone who turns over an American service member alive, and Tehran has publicly celebrated the downing of U.S. aircraft. U.S. and Israeli forces have continued strikes in the region; Iran says some of its infrastructure was hit and the government reported damage at sites including a bridge and a sports complex in Tehran. U.S. officials say they are racing to locate the missing crewman but have released few additional details about the outcome of rescue efforts. President Biden stated the incident will not affect ongoing negotiations with Iran. Military and intelligence agencies remain engaged in recovery operations and broader responses while monitoring developments across the region.
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