In a high-stakes operation on enemy soil, U.S. special forces were inserted into Iran on Friday and continued efforts through Saturday to rescue the crew of an American F-15 fighter jet shot down by Iranian forces, as per Axios reports.
According to Axios, one of the two crew members was successfully located and extracted alive from Iranian territory. The search for the second crew member remains ongoing as part of an intense combat search-and-rescue mission.
The incident marks the first time a U.S. manned aircraft has been downed by enemy fire in the ongoing conflict with Iran. Both crew members ejected safely after the jet was hit, sources told Axios reporter Barak Ravid.
What Happened: F-15E Strike Eagle Shot Down Over Iran
An F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down by Iranian forces during combat operations, resulting in two crew members ejecting from the aircraft. U.S. special forces quickly launched a search and rescue (SAR) operation deep inside Iran.
- One crew member was successfully located and rescued alive on Iranian soil.
- Search efforts for the second crew member remain ongoing as of the latest reports.
The operation involved a coordinated “rescue package” with aircraft and helicopters operating in hostile airspace. Videos circulating on social media showed low-flying U.S. aircraft, including HC-130 refuelers and HH-60G Pave Hawks, supporting the mission.