Two United States fighter aircraft and multiple helicopters were hit by Iranian fire during ongoing hostilities, with two pilots rescued and one still missing, according to officials familiar with the developments.

The first incident involved a US F-15E fighter jet that was shot down over Iran. The aircraft, which carries a two-member crew, went down during combat operations, triggering an immediate search-and-rescue mission. One of the crew members was successfully recovered by US forces, while efforts continue to locate the second, who remains unaccounted for.

In a related development, a second US aircraft—an A-10 Warthog—was also hit during the same period. The pilot of the A-10 managed to eject safely over Kuwaiti airspace and was later rescued, officials said. The incident highlights the increasing risks faced by US air assets operating in the region amid intensifying conflict.

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During the rescue operation for the downed F-15E crew, two US Black Hawk helicopters came under fire from Iranian forces. While both helicopters sustained damage, they were able to exit Iranian airspace safely. Some personnel onboard were reportedly injured, but all survived the encounter.

The incidents mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, and represent one of the first confirmed instances of American combat aircraft being brought down by Iranian fire in the current war. The developments have raised concerns about the vulnerability of even advanced military platforms in contested airspace.

Officials cautioned that the situation remains fluid, with rescue operations ongoing and further details expected as more information emerges. The search for the missing crew member is being treated as a high-priority mission, even as military engagements continue across the region.

The latest developments underscore the fragile and volatile nature of the conflict, with both sides continuing military operations alongside limited diplomatic signaling. The downing of multiple US aircraft in a short span signals a potential shift in the intensity of the confrontation and raises the risk of further escalation in the region.

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