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US Rescues Downed F-15 Pilot in Iran
Donald Trump announced the successful rescue of a wounded crew member from a downed F-15 fighter jet in Iran after a high-risk military operation.
F15 Jet photo by Vilmantas Bekesius
The United States has recovered a missing crew member from a downed F-15 fighter jet in southern Iran, with Donald Trump confirming the high-risk rescue operation and calling it one of the most complex missions carried out by U.S. forces. The aircraft was shot down on Friday, and both crew members ejected. One had already been rescued earlier, while the second, a colonel, was located after spending more than 24 hours hiding in mountainous terrain behind enemy lines. Although initially described as āsafe and sound,ā Trump later said the airman had sustained serious injuries and was flown to Kuwait for treatment.
Iranian officials said their air defense systems were responsible for downing the jet, with possible crash locations cited in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad or Khuzestan. U.S. and Iranian forces were reportedly in a race to locate the missing crew member, prompting Washington to pause other military operations and deploy dozens of special operations personnel for a large-scale combat search and rescue (CSAR) mission.
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CSAR operations are among the most challenging military missions, often involving helicopters flying low over hostile territory with air support providing cover. Retired Admiral William Fallon said nighttime conditions likely aided U.S. forces. Military analyst Mikey Kay noted that the airman would have relied on survival training, including concealing himself, activating a beacon, and maintaining communication while awaiting rescue.
Reports indicate the Central Intelligence Agency played a key role by tracking the airman and sharing his location, while also conducting a deception campaign suggesting he had already been rescued. Trump said dozens of aircraft were involved and claimed no casualties occurred, though two transport planes used in the mission were destroyed after failing to take off.
The second crew member had been rescued earlier in a separate mission involving an A-10 Warthog, during which a helicopter was hit by small arms fire but landed safely. Iran credited new air defense systems with downing both aircraft.
The F-15E Strike Eagle is a dual-role jet used for air combat and ground strikes, typically carrying a pilot and a weapons systems officer. While the exact cause of the downing remains unclear, analysts suggest a surface-to-air missile was likely responsible.
Editorās Note:
The high-risk rescue operation in Iran underscores the complexity of modern combat missions, as Donald Trump highlights both military capability and the escalating intensity of the conflict.
