TEHRAN-(MaraviPost)-A US F-15 fighter jet was shot down over Iran on April 3, 2026, sparking a high-stakes rescue mission that resulted in the safe recovery of both crew members.
The F-15E Strike Eagle was hit by Iranian forces, prompting an urgent search-and-rescue operation involving helicopters and aircraft.
One crew member, a pilot, was successfully rescued by US forces, while the second crew member, a weapon systems officer, was rescued on April 5, 2026, in a daring nighttime operation.
The rescue operation was marked by intense firefights, with US helicopters coming under small arms fire, but ultimately, both crew members were recovered safely.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the rescue, praising the bravery of the military personnel involved, and stating that the incident would not affect ongoing negotiations with Iran.
Iran had offered a reward of $60,000 for the capture of the US pilots, and state media urged civilians to assist in locating them.
The downing of the F-15 marks the first time a US manned aircraft has been shot down by enemy fire in over 20 years.
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