Iran finds missing American F-15E fighter pilot? Latest search actions when video appeared

Iranian authorities are reportedly conducting their own search operations and even asking civilians for help. National television aired messages pleading with the public to find the missing Americans and government prizes were awarded.

Video circulated on social media by Michael A. Horowitz on Saturday showed what appeared to be more activity near what is believed to be the crash site. The post claimed that a rescue mission was underway.

“The video purportedly shows locals and security forces mobilizing to the site where rescues are said to be taking place,” Horowitz wrote.

In the video, locals can be seen walking through rural areas with civilians as vehicles drive toward the alleged “crash site.”

Read more: F-15 crash update: Where are the crew now? Iran “searches” for pilot, rewards announced

According to Axios, citing sources, one crew member has been rescued, but the other crew member is still being urgently searched. Sources said both crew members escaped after the plane was hit by Iranian artillery fire.

However, special forces found and survived the crew member inside Iran. But the second crew member is still missing.

The conditions of those rescued were not immediately clear.

Read more: Iran says another U.S. fighter jet was shot down; state TV urges pilot capture

Two Black Hawk helicopters involved in a U.S. rescue operation were shot at by nomadic tribesmen in Iran’s mountains, according to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps).

A helicopter carrying a pilot rescued from an F-15E jet came under small arms fire, injuring the crew, The Hill reported. However, the helicopter eventually landed safely.

Reuters reported that Iran’s top joint military command attributed the downing of two U.S. planes to Iran’s new air defense system.