Iran ‘used Russian missiles’ to shoot down US fighter jet as Trump launches expletive rant | World | News

Iran allegedly used Russian missiles to possibly shoot down an American warplane, prompting a massive search for its crew behind enemy lines. Intelligence sources believe the F-15E was shot down in southern Iran using Russia’s K333 Verba Man Portable air defense systems (MANPADs).

The fighter jet, believed to be from RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, was shot down on Friday. The fighter jet had two crew members ejected from the aircraft; The pilot was brought to safety in an earlier operation the same day, but the weapons officer was not rescued until Sunday, following what Donald Trump described as “one of the most daring search and rescue operations in US history”. Iranian officials said the plane was shot down by its air defense system.

Intelligence analysts told Sun they were probably Verba launchers.

Iran reportedly quietly struck a £450 million deal with Moscow to buy 500 launchers and 2,500 9M336 missiles, while the US was gathering forces in the Middle East before the outbreak of war.

The weapon is used to neutralize aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles flying at altitudes of up to 5 kilometers. The name of the weapons system officer on the crashed F-15E was not released, but he was a colonel.

Mr. Trump said he was “behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, pursued by our enemies who are getting closer with every hour.”

Iran has offered a reward reportedly worth £45,000 for his capture.

The US President said on Truth Social that the airman was “SAFE and SAFE”. He said the officer was “seriously injured” after being rescued by special operations forces.

Mr. Trump said dozens of planes participated in the rescue operation, which was completed without any American casualties.

Two transport planes stuck on the ground in an abandoned airfield were destroyed to prevent them from falling into Iranian hands, US officials said.

He said: “Tuesday in Iran will be Power Plant Day and Bridge Day all rolled into one. There will be nothing like it! Open the F***’ Throat, you crazy b*tches, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH!”

Iran’s virtual closure of the narrow waterway has caused global oil and gas prices to soar.