US F-16 fighter jet crashes off South Korea.
An American F-16 fighter jet experienced an “in-flight emergency” over the West Sea off South Korea and crashed early on Jan 31, the United States military said, adding that the pilot had been rescued.
“An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing here experienced an in-flight emergency over the West Sea and crashed at approximately 8.41am (11.41pm GMT) today,” the military said in a statement.
“The pilot ejected safely and was recovered at around 9.30am. He is conscious and was transported to a medical facility for assessment.”
The statement hailed the close cooperation with South Korea during the rescue operation.
“We are very thankful to the Republic of Korea rescue forces and all of our teammates who made the swift recovery of our pilot possible,” said Colonel Matthew C. Gaetke, 8th Fighter Wing commander.
The Korea Coast Guard told AFP that the fighter jet crashed near Mokdeok island, which is off South Korea’s west coast.
This is the third crash of an American F-16 fighter jet in South Korea since May 2023.