The official media of the Iranian army has reported that the pilot of an Israeli F-35 fighter jet, which was shot down in western Iran just hours earlier, has been captured by elite forces of the Iranian military.

Why it matters:
The capture of the Israeli pilot underscores the heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, reflecting Iran's increasing military assertiveness and its commitment to defending its airspace against perceived threats.

The big picture:
This incident follows a series of confrontations between Iran and Israel, particularly after Israel's recent attacks on Iranian airspace. Iran has previously reported downing two Israeli F-35 fighter jets, with one pilot already captured, indicating a significant escalation in military engagements.

What they are saying:
The Iranian military has confirmed the capture of the Israeli pilot, emphasizing that this is part of their ongoing efforts to protect the nation's sovereignty and respond to foreign incursions. The military's collaboration with local residents highlights a community effort in national defense.

Key points:

  • The Israeli pilot was apprehended by Iranian rapid response forces with assistance from local villagers.
  • This is the second capture of an Israeli pilot since the Israeli attacks on Iran, following the downing of two F-35 jets.
  • In total, three Israeli F-35 fighter jets have been reported downed by Iranian forces since the beginning of the recent Israeli illegal attacks on Iran.

Go deeper:
Israeli F-35 Shot Down Over Iran; NOHED Forces Deployed to Capture Ejected Pilot

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