U.S. forces conducted a daring rescue operation in Iran to recover a second officer from a downed F-15 fighter jet, according to reports.
Trump Announces Rescue Operation
Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that U.S. forces carried out “one of the most daring rescue operations in U.S. history” to recover the officer. He stated the “highly respected colonel” sustained injuries but “will be fine.”
Trump added that, on his orders, the U.S. military deployed “dozens of planes armed with the most fearsome weapons in the world” to retrieve the service member, with no American casualties reported. He emphasized, “WE WILL NEVER LEAVE ANY AMERICAN WARRIOR BEHIND!”
Details of the Rescue
According to The New York Times, the airman hid in a mountain crevice, and his location was initially unknown to U.S. forces. He ascended to an altitude of 2,130 meters, using a signaling device sparingly to avoid detection by Iranian forces.
The pilot also possessed a secure communication device that aided in coordinating the rescue effort. The F-15 was shot down in a region of Iran with strong opposition to the Iranian government, allowing the airman to receive shelter and assistance from local residents.
Military Action During Rescue
The New York Times reported that U.S. attack aircraft dropped bombs and opened fire on Iranian convoys to keep them away from the area where the airman was hiding. As U.S. commandos approached the downed pilot, they fired to deter Iranian forces, but did not engage in a firefight.
The injured man was transported to Kuwait for treatment.
Iranian Response and Drone Downed
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced Sunday that it shot down an American aircraft involved in the search for the missing pilot in the Isfahan province. BBC News reported the downed unit was a drone.
Trump’s Ultimatum to Iran
On Saturday, President Trump warned Iran it had 48 hours to reach an agreement or open the Strait of Hormuz, threatening that “there will be hell to pay.” He previously threatened escalation but suggested Tehran was open to a diplomatic solution, an offer Tehran rejected Friday.
Initial Downed F-15 Incident
The F-15E fighter jet was shot down by Iranian anti-aircraft defenses on Friday. Initial search and rescue operations located and rescued the pilot, but the second crew member remained missing.
Search and Rescue Efforts
The search involved helicopters, likely HH-60s modified from UH-60 Black Hawks, and HC-130J aircraft. U.S. Air Force Pararescue Teams, specializing in rescuing aircrews downed behind enemy lines, also participated.
Iranian Reward for Capture
Iranian state television called on citizens to help capture the pilots, offering a reward of 10 billion tomans (100 billion rials), equivalent to approximately $76,000, for information leading to their capture.
Escalating Tensions
The U.S. and Israel began bombing Iran on February 28th, prompting retaliatory attacks on Israel, U.S. bases in the Middle East, and Persian Gulf states. Iran has also nearly blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, causing a surge in global oil and gas prices.
