dChan - Q Origins Project Archive

Wounded US airman hid to dodge Iranian bounty hunters after being shot down in Iran

New details are emerging about the dramatic rescue of a U.S. airman shot down over Iran, revealing a complex, high-stakes operation involving the CIA and elite special operations forces racing against time to prevent his capture.

The incident began on Friday, when a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down roughly 200 miles inside Iranian territory. Both crew members ejected, but while one was quickly recovered, the other — a weapons systems officer — was left stranded in a remote, mountainous region.

For nearly two days, the injured airman hid in rugged terrain as Iranian forces, militias and drones searched for him. Officials say he managed to climb thousands of feet despite his injuries, eventually reaching a position where he could briefly communicate.

When he activated his emergency beacon, his first message was simple: “God is good,” according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. But with communication intermittent, officials initially feared the transmission could be a trap.

U.S. intelligence agencies worked quickly to verify he was alive. The CIA ultimately pinpointed his location — a breakthrough President Donald Trump later described as “like finding a needle in a haystack.”

What followed was one of the most complex combat search-and-rescue missions in recent memory. Early Sunday, the U.S. launched a massive operation involving roughly 100 special operations forces, dozens of aircraft and overwhelming firepower to hold off approaching Iranian forces.

B-1 bombers dropped nearly 100 precision-guided munitions, while MQ-9 Reaper drones targeted enemy fighters closing in on the airman’s position. The CIA also conducted a deception campaign, spreading false information to mislead Iranian forces and buy time.

Initial rescue attempts were unsuccessful. Helicopters took fire and were forced to withdraw, while mechanical and terrain challenges complicated efforts to establish a staging area.

Ultimately, a third attempt succeeded. Small aircraft carrying elite commandos — including members of SEAL Team 6 — reached the airman and extracted him under fire.

To prevent sensitive technology from falling into Iranian hands, U.S. forces destroyed several aircraft left behind during the mission.

Shortly after midnight, Trump announced the outcome on social media: “WE GOT HIM!”

Officials say the airman, who had been badly injured and bleeding heavily, managed to treat his own wounds while evading capture. He is now expected to recover.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGMMHCb8s9s