Iran claims two US Black Hawk helicopters hit by 'nomadic tribes' as race to find missing jet pilot continues
Iran has claimed nomadic tribes living in the Iranian mountains have hit two US Black Hawk helicopters.
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The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Saturday, "nomads of Kohgiluyeh Boyerahmad [province] and the Bakhtiaris" have "successfully struck two Black Hawk helicopters in hard-to-reach mountainous regions far from the presence of Iranian armed forces".
US Centcom has yet to comment on the claims.
It comes as the US faces a race against time to find a missing pilot whose jet was shot down inside Iran.
One crew member was rescued from the US F-15E fighter jet, but the other is believed to still be behind enemy lines. Iran is offering a "precious prize" for the pilot's capture.
An anchor of a local channel of Iranian state television in Kohkilouyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province read the following announcement: "If you capture the enemy pilot or pilots alive and hand them over to the police, you will receive a precious prize."
The channel initially urged its viewers, if they saw Americans, to "shoot them as soon as you see them", but then changed its instructions to ask for co-operation, based on a police statement.
In one widely circulated example, Iranian outlets reported on a reward of around £50,000 ($66,100).
The two nomad groups are traditionally known as tribal peoples of Iran and are often seen carrying rifles to protect their herds from wild animals and theft.
Donald Trump has said negotiations to end the Iran war will not be affected by this latest wave of attacks.
Asked by NBC if Friday's events would affect any peace discussions, the US leader said: "No, not at all.
"No, it's war. We're in war."