US Special Forces rescue second crew member from downed F-15E in Iran

US special forces have rescued the second crew member of an F-15E fighter jet that was shot down over Iran, according to several media reports.

The operation came after both crew members had ejected from the aircraft and established contact via communication systems.

Officials said the pilot was rescued several hours after the jet was downed, while it took more than a day to locate and extract the second crew member.

One official said the operation was carried out by a specialised commando unit with extensive air cover.

All US forces involved in the mission have now exited Iran, the official added.

US special forces were deployed on the ground in Iran on Friday and again on Saturday as part of the search and rescue effort.

On Saturday, the second crew member was located, and a rescue operation was launched, as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also moved forces into the area.

US Air Force jets conducted strikes against Iranian forces to prevent them from reaching the site, according to the reports.

During Friday's rescue of the pilot, Iran struck a US Black Hawk helicopter involved in the mission.

Crew members were wounded, but the helicopter remained operational and was able to continue flying.

The downing of the F-15E marked a high-risk scenario for the US military, with both sides racing to reach the crew members.

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Source: TRT