A U.S. crew member has been rescued following a complex operation after an F-15E fighter jet was shot down over Iranian territory. The rescue, completed early Sunday morning local time, involved a coordinated effort by the U.S. military.

Dramatic Rescue Operation

The news, initially reported by the New York Times and confirmed by U.S. officials, concludes days of uncertainty following the aircraft’s downing on Friday. The pilot was rescued on Friday, prompting an immediate focus on locating the second crew member – a weapons system officer – who had ejected from the jet.

Extensive Military Involvement

The operation involved dozens of aircraft, including fighter jets and helicopters, alongside a substantial deployment of special operations forces. President Trump personally directed the mission, which was characterized by its inherent risks.

CIA Deception and Real-Time Intelligence

The rescue mission incorporated a CIA-led deception campaign to mislead Iranian forces. This involved spreading misinformation regarding the crew member’s location while leveraging advanced intelligence to pinpoint his exact position.

U.S. commandos located the missing crew member after the CIA shared his location with the Pentagon and the White House. The President then authorized an immediate rescue, with the CIA continuing to provide real-time information throughout the operation.

Securing the Extraction Zone

The U.S. military employed bombs and weapons fire to secure the area and deter Iranian troops, creating a safe extraction zone for the special forces. Logistical challenges included demolishing two transport planes unable to take off from a remote Iranian base.

The commandos ultimately departed on three additional aircraft, successfully completing the mission just before midnight and exiting Iranian airspace. The rescued officer, who sustained injuries, was flown to Kuwait for medical treatment, where officials report his condition as stable.

First Downed US Fighter in Over 20 Years

The downing of the F-15E marks the first time a U.S. fighter jet has been shot down in combat in over two decades, according to retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards have claimed responsibility for the strike.

The incident occurred in southwestern Iran and highlights ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. During initial recovery efforts on Friday, a U.S. helicopter carrying the rescued pilot was struck by small arms fire, wounding crew members, though it landed safely. An A-10 Warthog also took fire and was damaged, requiring its pilot to eject and be successfully recovered.