US Special Forces have launched a special operation inside Iran to rescue a missing crew member after a US fighter jet was shot down in Iranian airspace. The operation reportedly began on Friday night (April 3), according to reports cited by international media.
In a report referencing the British daily The Telegraph, Yahoo News stated that Iran shot down an F-15 Strike Eagle fighter jet. Both crew members managed to eject safely, prompting the United States to immediately begin rescue efforts.
Military helicopters and low-altitude aerial refueling aircraft were deployed in the operation. However, during the mission, both helicopters were damaged by Iranian fire, though they were able to safely return toward Iraq.
The report also said that one of the two crew members was rescued, while the other remains missing. Iranian local media has shown search operations underway, with announcements of a reward for information leading to his capture.
In a separate incident, an A-10 model US aircraft came under Iranian attack during the rescue mission. The pilot was forced to eject into the sea but was later rescued alive.
According to CBS News, citing US officials, two additional US aircraft involved in the rescue of the downed F-15E crew were also targeted during the operation. In one case, an A-10 Warthog was hit, forcing its pilot to jump into the water as an emergency measure.
A helicopter involved in the mission also came under small-arms fire, leaving several crew members injured. Despite this, it managed to land safely. The search for the second missing pilot is still ongoing.