A rescue mission or a search for F-35 debris? American movements in Saudi Arabia raise questions

Exclusive Follow-ups – Al-Khabar Al-Yemeni:Speculation continues regarding the fate of an American F-35 fighter jet after confirmations that it was hit by Iranian air defense fire, at a time when field data indicated the start of search operations for its debris inside Saudi territory.According to tracking data applications, it is likely that the fighter was unable to execute a safe landing as Washington announced but rather crashed after being hit, as an American “CH-47 Chinook” helicopter was observed carrying out a search and rescue mission inside Saudi Arabia, reinforcing the hypothesis of the aircraft’s downing.In contrast, American media outlets, including CNN, had mentioned that the “F-35 Lightning II” fighter was forced to make an emergency landing at a military base in the Middle East after being fired upon during a combat mission over Iranian territory.The network quoted Captain Tim Hawkins, spokesman for US Central Command, confirming that the aircraft was on an operational mission when it was involved in the accident, noting that the emergency landing was a precautionary measure to preserve the safety of the pilot and the aircraft.On the other side, the spokesman for Iran’s Khatam Al-Anbiya Headquarters announced that the Aerospace Force of the Revolutionary Guard managed to hit what he described as “one of the most prominent symbols of American air power,” referring to the F-35 fighter, confirming that this was achieved thanks to the development of air defense systems and their integration into a unified network.These developments are an indicator of a qualitative change in the technical and military confrontation, especially since F-35 fighters are classified among the most advanced in the world, thanks to stealth technology and advanced combat capabilities.