Pilot rescued as US plane shot down
A US plane was shot down by an Iraqi surface-to-air missile, it was revealed today.
The A-10 tankbuster was shot down close to Baghdad International Airport today.
The airport, which was taken by US forces several days ago, is around 10 miles south west of the Iraqi capital.
The tankbuster was flying a low altitude close support mission.
The pilot ejected and an immediate operation was launched to find him and stop him falling into Iraqi hands.
He was successfully rescued by ground forces and was said to be uninjured.
Brigadier General Vince Brooks at Central Command said: "It was flying at low altitude in support action.
"We believe it was hit by a surface-to-air missile."
A Central Command source said: "All the indications are it was hostile fire.
"The pilot ejected safely from the aircraft.
"He was recovered from near the airport and is in
good condition."
A-10s have been carrying out attacks on targets in central Baghdad today.
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