US Destroys Own Aircraft During High-Risk Rescue Mission in Iran

The United States carried out a complex rescue mission in a remote mountainous region of Iran to recover crew members from a downed fighter jet, ultimately destroying two of its own transport aircraft to prevent them from falling into Iranian hands.

According to reports, Iran shot down a US F-15 fighter jet early Friday (April 3) using its air defense system. Of the two crew members onboard, one was rescued within hours of the crash, while the second was recovered approximately 36 hours later.

US media outlet The New York Times reported that American commandos secretly established a temporary runway in the rugged terrain to facilitate the rescue operation. Initially, two transport aircraft were deployed into Iranian territory, but they became stranded due to technical complications or adverse environmental conditions.

Subsequently, three additional aircraft were dispatched to complete the mission and extract both the crew and ground forces. To ensure the stranded C-130 transport planes did not fall into Iranian control, US forces destroyed them during the operation.

Iranian media also reported the presence of a temporary runway set up by US forces in the mountainous region, where the aircraft had been immobilized.

The rescue mission reportedly involved hundreds of special operations personnel. The recovered crew member, identified as the weapon systems officer of the aircraft, was later transferred to Kuwait for medical treatment.

US President Donald Trump confirmed the successful rescue, describing it as “one of the most daring search and rescue operations in American history.” In a statement shared on his social media platform, he said the rescued crew member was injured but expected to make a full recovery.

Trump further stated that the operation was conducted under his direct orders, with multiple heavily armed aircraft deployed to secure the rescue. He noted that the crew member had been surrounded by hostile forces in a remote mountainous area before being safely extracted.

The incident marks a rare and high-risk operation deep within hostile territory, highlighting the escalating tensions and military engagement in the region.