ISTANBUL

Iranian media claimed Friday that a US helicopter involved in a search-and-rescue operation for the pilot of a downed US fighter jet was hit by a projectile.

The semi-official Mehr News Agency said the helicopter was taking part in search operations for the pilot of a US fighter jet that Iran is said to have shot down earlier.

The agency published images of what it alleged was the downed helicopter, but provided no further details on casualties or the circumstances of the incident.

Earlier, the White House said that US President Donald Trump had been briefed on a US fighter jet – possibly an F-15 – shot down over Iran.

Citing two US officials, CBS News reported that one crew member from the plane was rescued by US forces.

The region has been on alert since the US and Israel launched an air offensive on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people so far, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel along with Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation