Fighters from the Imam Hassan Mujtaba Brigade of the ground forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran are conducting combat operations against US forces in the area between Khuzestan and Kohgiluyeh provinces, causing heavy losses, Pars Today reported Friday.

"This morning, reports were received that a US fighter jet was shot down in the skies over central Iran.

Subsequent reports indicate that it is likely that the pilot of this fighter jet survived, given the picture of the relatively undamaged cockpit.

Some local sources report the presence of two helicopters searching for the pilot in the western and southern provinces, and photos of them patrolling the areas have been published. It is unclear whether these helicopters belong to friendly forces or the aggressor.

The [Iranian] military has launched a search operation to find the pilot of this fighter jet.

"Tribal groups and local forces are also reported to be exercising organized and armed control over the area," Pars Today added.