Iran says Qatar captured three Iranian pilots after Su-24 jets crashed during war

Iranian authorities asserted Saturday that Qatari forces captured three pilots alive after two Iranian Su-24 fighter jets crashed during attacks in March, amidst the war with the United States and Israel.

Mohammad Bagherzadeh, head of the Missing Persons Search Committee of the Armed Forces General Staff, stated that the three pilots were among four crew members aboard the two aircraft. "Three Iranian pilots were captured alive by Qatari forces after the Su-24 fighter jets crashed during the March attacks," Bagherzadeh said, according to Iran's state broadcaster.

This claim remains unverified, and Qatar has not issued an immediate comment. The development follows previous statements from Iranian military officials indicating that three crew members were still missing after the March 2 operation. This operation targeted the US Al Udeid Air Base located in Qatar.

In late July, Iran's Army confirmed through DNA testing the death of Brig. Gen. Majid Kazemi, one of the pilots involved. Efforts were reportedly ongoing to determine the fate of the remaining three crew members. The two Iranian Su-24s were allegedly shot down by Qatari air defenses after approaching Qatari airspace during the conflict.

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Three Iranian pilots were captured alive by Qatari forces after the Su-24 fighter jets crashed during the March attacks.