US Rescues Both F-15E Crewmembers from Deep Inside Iran
36-hour evasion, 150+ aircraft, makeshift airstrip, Israeli special forces
On April 5, CENTCOM confirmed the successful rescue of both crewmembers from the F-15E Strike Eagle shot down over Iran on April 2. The weapons system officer evaded capture for approximately 36 hours before being recovered in one of the most complex search-and-rescue missions of the conflict. The operation involved over 150 aircraft, CIA deception operations, and assistance from Israeli Shaldag and Sayeret Matkal special forces. US forces established a makeshift airstrip inside Iran, extracted all personnel, but lost two transport aircraft and MH-6 Little Birds that could not be evacuated.
Key facts
- •WSO evaded capture for 36 hours inside Iran before rescue
- •Operation involved 150+ aircraft and CIA deception measures
- •Israeli Shaldag and Sayeret Matkal units participated
- •Makeshift airstrip established inside Iran near major city
- •2 transport aircraft and MH-6 Little Birds destroyed after extraction
- •WSO seriously wounded, receiving treatment in Kuwait
Timeline
Rescue operation launched for missing WSO
WSO recovered after 36-hour evasion
CENTCOM confirms both crewmembers rescued