Dramatic Rescue Operation After US F-15E Shot Down Over Iran, New Video Released

WASHINGTON: The US television programme 60 Minutes has released new video footage showing the dramatic rescue of an American airman after a US fighter jet was shot down over Iran in April.

The incident involved a two-member crew aboard an F-15E fighter aircraft that was brought down over Iranian territory.

According to the report, one member of the crew was rescued within a few hours, while the second remained injured in a mountainous area of Iran for approximately 50 hours before being located by US forces.

First on 60 Minutes: Newly declassified video shows the rescue of the U.S. Air Force pilot who was shot down over Iran in April. https://t.co/jGagMqLvCy pic.twitter.com/KxqUITvbAN

— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) September 14, 2026

Airman Survives for Two Days in Iran

The rescued American colonel reportedly faced severe difficulties while ejecting from the damaged aircraft and sustained injuries during the escape.

He then hid in mountainous terrain while attempting to avoid detection by Iranian forces.

The US military launched an extensive search and rescue operation to locate the missing airman.

According to 60 Minutes, US Air Force personnel and special operations forces eventually located and rescued him on April 5.

Complex US Search and Rescue Mission

The programme described the operation as one of the most complicated and dangerous search-and-rescue missions in US military history.

The rescue required US forces to locate the injured officer inside difficult mountainous terrain while operating in an active conflict environment.

The recovered colonel has now spoken publicly about the experience for the first time, describing how he survived for almost two days while injured before American rescue teams reached him.

New Details Emerge From Iran War

The newly released footage provides a closer look at the challenges faced by US forces while attempting to recover personnel from hostile territory during the conflict with Iran.

It also offers additional details about the risks involved in US air operations over Iran and the extensive resources deployed to recover downed aircrew.

The incident highlights the dangers faced by military pilots operating in contested airspace and the complexity of conducting rescue missions deep inside an adversary’s territory.