Washington: Dramatic moments from a secretive US military rescue operation have been revealed after newly declassified videos showed how American Air Force officers were rescued following the crash of an F-15E fighter jet in Iran. The footage obtained by 60 Minutes, provides a rare look at the dangerous search and rescue missions conducted deep inside Iranian territory after two US airmen ejected from their aircraft. The officers, identified by the call signs “Alpha” and “Bravo”, landed several miles apart in a mountainous area near Isfahan after their fighter jet was shot down during a mission in April.
Two separate missions to rescue Airmen
The newly released videos highlight two different rescue operations carried out by US forces. One recording shows the daytime rescue mission launched for Alpha nearly eight hours after he ejected from the aircraft. The United States deployed 21 aircraft as part of the operation to locate and recover him safely. Another infrared video captures the dramatic extraction of Bravo, the aircraft's weapon systems officer, who was rescued nearly two days after the crash. The footage shows US Air Force pararescuers reaching Bravo in difficult terrain and safely transporting him back to an American helicopter.
Injured pilot survived against extreme odds
Bravo suffered severe injuries after ejecting from the damaged fighter jet. His parachute failed to fully protect him, causing him to hit the ground with significant force. Despite suffering a broken back and other injuries, he managed to climb a 7,000-foot mountain ridge, where he waited for rescuers to arrive. During his first public interview, Bravo recalled the emotional moment when he saw the rescue team approaching him. His first words to the rescuers were reportedly, “Let's go,” reflecting his determination to return home after surviving the dangerous ordeal.
CIA’s deception campaign helped in rescue operation
According to officials, the rescue mission involved multiple branches of the US military and intelligence agencies. Before the operation, CIA personnel reportedly launched a deception effort to confuse Iranian forces searching for the missing officers. False information was circulated suggesting that both airmen had already been recovered. The strategy was aimed at preventing Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from locating the stranded officers before American teams could reach them.
Elite forces executed complex extraction plan
The rescue operation involved special operations forces working with intelligence teams to identify the exact locations of the downed officers. After receiving intelligence support, US forces planned an extraction mission using special operations aircraft. Two MC-130J aircraft were positioned at a remote airstrip to transport commandos and the rescued airman out of Iran. However, the aircraft suffered damage during the operation. Officials decided to destroy the damaged aircraft to prevent them from being captured by Iranian forces.
Trump called mission one of US Military's boldest operations
US President Donald Trump later praised the operation, calling it one of the most daring search and rescue missions carried out by the military. He announced the successful recovery of the airman while monitoring the operation from the White House. The newly released footage has renewed global attention on the risks faced by military personnel operating in hostile environments and the complex missions required to bring them home.