US forces reportedly downed at least one of its own transport aircraft during a mission to recover a downed F-15 pilot in Iran, with Israeli intelligence assistance.
US Aircraft Destroyed in Iran
US military forces destroyed at least two transport aircraft due to malfunctions during a search and rescue operation, necessitating the deployment of three additional planes, according to intelligence sources cited by the Associated Press.
CBS News, citing US officials, reported that the aircraft were rendered unusable at a base in Iran to prevent their capture by Iranian forces.
Iranian Claims of Downed Aircraft
Iranian state television broadcast footage purporting to show wreckage of US aircraft shot down by Iranian forces, along with thick, black smoke. They claimed to have downed a C-130 transport plane and two Blackhawk helicopters approximately 45 km south of Isfahan.
Sky News and BBC verified the footage, confirming the location of wreckage from at least one aircraft – a large plane and a helicopter.
“Needle in a Haystack” Rescue Operation
Following the F-15 pilot’s ejection, both crew members established contact with command, and the pilot was rescued within hours. Locating the weapons systems officer took over a day.
The CIA initiated a disinformation campaign in Iran, spreading rumors of a land-based rescue attempt, while utilizing “unique capabilities” to locate the downed officer, comparing the search to “finding a needle in a haystack.”
The CIA shared the officer’s precise location with the Pentagon, the Army, and the White House, prompting President Trump to order an immediate rescue operation.
Israeli Intelligence Assistance
Israeli defense ministry representatives confirmed that Israeli intelligence assisted in the US operation. Israeli air forces reportedly suspended attacks in areas of Iran where the mission was underway.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized the operation demonstrated the cooperation between the US and Israeli militaries in a potential conflict with Iran.
Trump Announces Successful Mission
On April 5th, President Trump announced the success of the rescue mission on Truth Social, stating no American personnel were harmed or injured. He did not mention the possible destruction of aircraft.
Trump stated the successful completion of both rescue operations, without casualties, demonstrated US air dominance and superiority over Iranian airspace.
