U.S. officials said American forces carried out a two-part rescue mission inside Iran after a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down, recovering both crew members more than 50 hours after the operation began.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe said the effort relied on intelligence capabilities that helped locate one missing airman while misleading Iranian forces searching for him. “This was a no-fail mission,” Ratcliffe said.
According to officials, both crew members ejected over Iran and were isolated in separate locations. Gen. Dan Caine said U.S. forces identified them as “Dude 4-4 Alpha” and “Dude 4-4 Bravo.” President Donald Trump said one airman spent nearly 48 hours in mountainous terrain, treated his own wounds, and transmitted his location with survival equipment.
Caine said the first rescue began late Thursday night, when an Air Force combat search-and-rescue task force, including A-10 “Sandy” aircraft, HC-130 refueling planes, and HH-60 Jolly Green II helicopters, entered Iranian airspace and recovered one crew member.
He said the A-10s provided close air support and engaged enemy forces during the operation. One A-10 was hit, and its pilot later ejected over friendly territory and was safely recovered.
Officials said a second rescue mission was launched Saturday after U.S. forces made contact with the injured airman, as Iranian forces, including elements tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, searched the area. Trump said the broader operation involved more than 150 aircraft and included deception tactics.
Aircraft and helicopters came under fire, and one helicopter crew sustained minor injuries, Caine said. He also said aircraft became stuck in sand after landing, forcing U.S. forces to use smaller aircraft and destroy disabled planes to keep sensitive equipment from being captured.
Caine said both airmen were returned safely. Trump said there were no U.S. casualties.
Trump also said details of the downing were leaked during the mission, making the operation more difficult. “That leaker… put that man at great risk,” he said. Trump later said the administration was trying to identify the source.
Ratcliffe said the CIA used human sources and technical capabilities to locate the airman and carry out a deception effort. He said U.S. intelligence confirmed the airman was alive before rescue forces moved in.
Iranian officials disputed key parts of the U.S. account, including claims about American losses. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said additional U.S. strikes were expected to intensify.