Iran, media: CIA and commando with extensive air cover to rescue US pilot
President Donald Trump announced that the US military had rescued the pilot shot down in Iran on Friday, speaking of 'one of the most audacious operations in history'
A race against time lasted two days. In the end, US special forces rescued the US pilot missing in Iran after an F-15E jet was shot down on Friday. The news was launched by Axios and confirmed by US President Donald Trump, who spoke of one of the boldest operations ever carried out by the US military.
The rescue operation
The recovery mission involved hundreds of special forces soldiers and extensive intelligence and military assets. As reported by the New York Times, dozens of fighter planes and helicopters were deployed, as well as cyber, space and intelligence capabilities. The pilot was able to make contact with the forces involved in the rescue thanks to his equipment, which included a beacon and a secure communication device.
For the past 48 hours, the operation has focused on tracking down the aviator while some Pasdaran units sent to the area of the shooting down tried to obstruct it. Attack aircraft dropped bombs and opened fire on Iranian convoys to keep them away from the area where the aviator was hiding. In the course of the mission, two American transport planes were stranded: three other aircraft were sent to recover military personnel, while the two stranded vehicles were blown up to prevent them from falling into enemy hands.
Furthermore, according to The Nyt, the F-15E was shot down in a region of Iran where there is significant opposition to the Iranian government. Consequently, the missing soldier may even have benefited from the help of the local population to obtain shelter and assistance.
Trump: "Pilot safe and sound"
Shortly after the Axios announcement, the US president confirmed the news of the rescue with a post on Truth. "WE HAVE RECOVERED IT! My fellow Americans, in the last few hours the United States Armed Forces have completed one of the most audacious search and rescue operations in US history, on behalf of one of our incredible Crew Officers - who is also a highly respected Colonel - and who I am thrilled to be able to announce is now HEALTHY AND SAFE!" reported Trump.
