The United States has carried out a dramatic “big rescue” operation to recover a missing crew member from a downed F-15 fighter jet shot down over southern Iran.
Donald Trump confirmed the development on Sunday, describing the mission as one of the most daring search-and-rescue operations ever undertaken by the US military.
He announced that the officer had been found “safe and sound,” although he later disclosed the airman had sustained serious injuries.
The fighter jet, which went down on Friday, had two crew members on board who successfully ejected before the crash.
One was rescued earlier, while the second remained missing, triggering an urgent and high-risk recovery mission.
Iranian authorities claimed the aircraft was brought down by the country’s air defence system, setting off a tense race between both sides to locate the missing officer.
While full details of the operation are still emerging, sources described it as a massive combat search and rescue (CSAR) effort deep inside hostile territory.
The mission reportedly involved dozens of US special operations forces, with other military activities paused to prioritise the rescue.
“This type of raid is rarely attempted due to the extreme danger involved,” Trump noted, highlighting the risks to both personnel and equipment.
Combat search and rescue
Combat search and rescue missions are among the most complex military operations, typically involving helicopters flying at low altitude over enemy territory, supported by fighter jets conducting air cover and strikes.
Retired US Navy Admiral William Fallon said the timing of the mission may have aided its success, noting that US forces are highly trained for night operations.
Darkness, he explained, often provides a tactical advantage.
Trump also revealed that the rescued officer, a colonel, had been stranded in mountainous terrain behind enemy lines and was at risk of being captured as opposing forces closed in.
Military analyst Mikey Kay added that ejecting from a fighter jet is an extremely violent process, often subjecting pilots to intense physical strain and potential injury.
The successful recovery underscores both the risks of modern aerial warfare and the extraordinary lengths militaries go to bring their personnel home.
