US military reveals details of rare F-15E pilot rescue inside Iran

The US military has declassified details of one of the largest combat search and rescue operations in its history, involving the rescue of F-15E fighter jet pilots inside Iranian territory after their aircraft was struck by a missile, according to a Fox News report.

The report noted that the rescue operation raised many questions, particularly as the first pilot was recovered just hours after the incident, while rescue teams faced additional challenges due to the second pilot's serious injuries.

Sources added that the injured second pilot remained stranded inside Iran for two days before rescue teams were able to reach him.

The extraction was ultimately successful after rescue forces, supported by helicopters and aircraft, were deployed in what the Pentagon described as one of the most complex missions in US military history.