Iran claims downing of second US military aircraft as rescue mission disputed

Iranian armed forces have shot down a second US military C-130 Hercules transport aircraft involved in an operation to rescue the co-pilot of a previously downed F-15E fighter jet, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of the Iranian military command, said, Tasnim reports.

Earlier in the day, the Iranian command stated that US efforts to rescue the second pilot of the downed F-15E had “failed,” and that Iranian forces had shot down two Black Hawk helicopters and one C-130 support aircraft.

“In accordance with previously received information, additional investigations by experts present at the scene have determined that, as a result of the intense ‘sacred fire’ of the Iranian fighters, the armed forces shot down two C-130 military transport aircraft and two Black Hawk helicopters of the US army,” the statement read.

Prior to the statement by Iran’s central military command on April 5, US President Donald Trump said that the second pilot of the downed F-15E had already been rescued and was safe. He added that dozens of aircraft were involved in the rescue operation.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran responded by striking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East.

The United States and Israel initially said their “preemptive” attack was necessary to counter what they described as a threat stemming from Iran’s nuclear program, but later indicated that they seek a change of power in Iran.

By Vafa Guliyeva