Both crew members of the downed F-15E Strike Eagle are now out of Iranian territory.
Thursday night, their jet was hit, and both the pilot and weapons systems officer ejected. The pilot was recovered quickly, but the Weapons Systems Officer evaded capture for 48 hours using SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape) training. He moved away from the wreck, hid on a ridge, and activated his emergency beacon. Iran had offered a reward, sparking a manhunt.
U.S. forces faced a fierce firefight. Two helicopters were hit, crews injured, and an A-10 Warthog providing cover crashed in Kuwait. Multiple aircraft had to be destroyed, and roads were disabled, creating massive traffic jams for Iranian forces.
The WSO suffered serious injuries but is now safe. The pilot has been extracted but is also seemingly in serious condition, with medics racing to stabilize him. Several U.S. service members were also hurt during the operation but are now safe.
This stands as the most complex combat search and rescue of the war, with U.S. special operations going deep into Iran, fighting their way in and out.
