A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II, widely known as the "Warthog," crashed near the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, April 3, marking the second American combat aircraft lost in a single day during ongoing operations against Iran.
The incident occurred around the same time a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over Iranian territory. The A-10's pilot was subsequently rescued safely. Military Times
Iranian state media reported that the country's air defense systems targeted the A-10 near the strait. However, the exact cause of the crash remains disputed, with U.S. officials offering limited official comment. Middle East Eye
U.S. Central Command did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Iran has previously made at least six false claims about shooting down American aircraft, all of which U.S. officials denied. Stars and Stripes
The A-10 had been actively deployed in Operation Epic Fury, conducting maritime interdiction operations targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fast-attack watercraft in the Strait of Hormuz. Air Force Times
Since the war began, 13 American personnel have been killed and at least 365 wounded, according to Defense Manpower Data Center figures. Stars and Stripes President Trump has been briefed on the incidents but has declined to comment publicly on ongoing rescue efforts.