U.S. Special Forces Rescue Second F-15E Crew Member in Southwest Iran, President Trump Confirms

Santa Monica, CA – Reuters has confirmed that U.S. Special Forces have successfully rescued the second crew member of a downed U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet in southwest Iran.

The Pentagon has not yet commented on the reports, which state that approximately a dozen Basiji - Iranian special operators - were killed by U.S. forces during the extraction operation.

According to the reports, Basij forces discovered several of their own fighters killed by U.S. A-10 guided rocket strikes near the house where the second F-15E crew member had been hiding. Iranian state media claims U.S. A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft repeatedly struck Basij and IRGC convoys in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province as they attempted to capture the downed airman. Heavy U.S. strikes reportedly prevented the Iranian forces from reaching the pilot.

The incident occurred on Friday, April 3, 2026, during the sixth week of the U.S.-Iran conflict, when Iranian forces shot down the two-seat F-15E over southwestern Iran - the first confirmed loss of a U.S. manned warplane to enemy fire since the start of Operation Epic Fury.

The F-15E is a highly capable all-weather strike fighter, distinguishable by its two-seat tandem cockpit (pilot in front, weapons systems officer in back), conformal fuel tanks along the fuselage, and heavy weapons loadout. It's known for its speed, maneuverability, and ability to deliver precision strikes while maintaining air-to-air capability.

One crew member, believed to be the pilot, was rescued earlier on Friday by U.S. forces using helicopters as part of a combat search-and-rescue operation. The second crew member - the weapons systems officer (WSO) - had ejected and was evading capture on the ground while Iranian forces and local militias searched the area. Iran had offered rewards to civilians for information leading to the capture of the airman.

The WSO was recovered alive following a ground operation involving U.S. special operators. Reports describe a "massive firefight" at the extraction site in southwest Iran. Details of the operation remain fluid.

Independent journalist Nioh Berg shared video footage said to show aspects of the operation to recover the first crew member (the pilot) in Dehdasht province, Iran: https://x.com/NiohBerg/status/2040598549784662519

The F-15E downing marked a notable escalation in the ongoing air campaign. Iranian state media released images of what it claimed was debris from the aircraft, initially describing it as an F-35 before correcting to an F-15E. A separate U.S. A-10 Warthog ground-attack aircraft was also reported lost or damaged around the same time near the Strait of Hormuz; its pilot was safely recovered.

Combat search-and-rescue missions in hostile territory are inherently high-risk, often involving close coordination between special operations forces, helicopters, and supporting aircraft.

"The breaking reports of the safe rescue of the F-15 WSO are a profound relief to every American," posted Rep. Elise Stefanik. "God Bless this brave servicemember who evaded capture in the most challenging circumstances and God Bless the special operations forces who put their lives on the line for this dangerous rescue mission. It is a deeply engrained patriotic value that Americans will go to the ends of the earth (and beyond!) and do whatever it takes including risking it all to bring their fellow Americans home. Happy Easter, indeed."

"Reports of the second USAF aircrew member rescued is an answer to all our prayers. I honor the bravery of our search and rescue teams and our special forces. I hope no casualties. And, I salute the F-15E Weapon Systems Officer who put their survival skills to work in a very dangerous situation," said Rep. Dan Bacon.

U.S. President Donald Trump: "WE GOT HIM! My fellow Americans, over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History, for one of our incredible Crew Member Officers, who also happens to be a highly respected Colonel, and who I am thrilled to let you know is now SAFE and SOUND! This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous

U.S. President Donald Trump: "WE GOT HIM! My fellow Americans, over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History, for one of our incredible Crew Member Officers, who also happens to be a highly respected Colonel, and who I am thrilled to let you know is now SAFE and SOUND! This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains....."

The Santa Monica Observer will continue to monitor official Pentagon and Reuters channels for any further verified updates on this sensitive military operation.