The United States has rescued the second crew member of a downed F-15 fighter jet in a high-risk operation inside Iran, as conflicting accounts emerge over the scale and outcome of the mission.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the rescue, describing it as one of the most daring search-and-rescue efforts in US military history. He said the airman, a colonel, had been found “safe and sound”, but later indicated the officer had been seriously wounded.
The aircraft, an F-15E Strike Eagle, was shot down over southern Iran on Friday, with both crew members ejecting. One was recovered shortly after the crash, while the second spent more than 24 hours evading capture in mountainous terrain before being extracted.
US officials said the operation involved dozens of aircraft and special forces personnel in what is known as a combat search and rescue (CSAR) mission — one of the most complex military operations conducted behind enemy lines. The airman was later flown to Kuwait for medical treatment.
Military analysts say such missions require rapid coordination and carry significant risks. According to US media reports, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) played a key role in locating the missing crew member, including running a deception campaign to mislead Iranian forces about the timing and location of the rescue.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he personally congratulated Donald Trump for what he described as a “bold decision” and a “perfectly executed” mission to rescue the downed US pilot, highlighting Israel’s role in the operation.
“I spoke earlier with President Trump and personally congratulated him on his bold decision and a perfectly executed American mission to rescue the downed pilot from enemy territory,” he said, adding he was “deeply proud” of the unprecedented cooperation that helped save “a brave American warrior.”
Iranian authorities, however, disputed aspects of the US account. State-linked media claimed Iranian air defences shot down the jet and reported that multiple US aircraft were destroyed during the rescue attempt, including helicopters and a transport plane. Tehran described the mission as unsuccessful, though US officials insist both crew members were safely recovered.
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