One US pilot whose fighter jet was shot down over Iran earlier on Friday was rescued alive, Times of Israel reported, citing officials.According to officials, search operation is ongoing for the second crew member.This comes after Iranian state television reported that an American fighter jet went down over southwestern Iran, with at least one crew member ejecting.

A local Iranian television channel went further, urging civilians to capture the “enemy pilot alive”, offering what it described as a “valuable reward.”In response, the United States launched a search and rescue operation, with an Israeli military officer saying Israel was assisting in the mission.

Social media footage appeared to show US drones, aircraft and helicopters flying over a mountainous area where the jet was believed to have come down.If confirmed, it would mark the first known instance of a US aircraft being lost inside Iranian territory during the ongoing conflict, now in its fifth week.It remains unclear whether the jet was shot down or crashed due to a technical fault, and the number of personnel on board has not been confirmed. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump had been briefed on the situation, but did not provide further details.