Satellite images reveal details of U.S. military operation to rescue pilot: Area filled with shell craters
An F-15E "Strike Eagle" dual-seat fighter jet of the U.S. Air Force was shot down over Iran on the 3rd, with both crew members ejecting and escaping. The U.S. claims that American forces have rescued the two crew members through a rescue operation. On the 5th, the U.S. released two satellite images that show more details of the rescue operation.
According to the satellite images released by the U.S., in the area where the second U.S. pilot was rescued, specifically along several roads in central Isfahan Province, Iran, at least 28 craters were shown, located about 20 kilometers from a remote makeshift airfield. It is reported that these craters, approximately 9 meters wide, are distributed along the roads in sequence, which is just wide enough to destroy the entire road, clearly indicating precision targeting. According to previous reports from the U.S., as U.S. special operations forces gathered in the area where the downed pilot was hiding, U.S. aircraft conducted airstrikes in the area to delay the arrival of Iranian forces.
The U.S. destroyed two malfunctioning transport aircraft during the rescue operation
According to two U.S. officials, U.S. Delta Force, Navy SEALs, and other special operations forces participated in the rescue operation. Additionally, U.S. sources reported that intense gunfire erupted during the rescue operation. Furthermore, two U.S. transport aircraft originally responsible for evacuating personnel malfunctioned and could not take off in a remote area of Iran, prompting the U.S. to destroy these two malfunctioning transport aircraft to prevent them from falling into Iranian hands.
Iran: Multiple U.S. aircraft were hit, and the U.S. suffered another defeat
Iran stated that in response to the U.S. attempts to search for the pilot, Iran conducted a joint operation. Multiple U.S. aircraft, including two "Black Hawk" helicopters and a C-130 transport aircraft, were hit, and the U.S. suffered another significant defeat.
On March 3, 2023, a U.S. Air Force F-15E was shot down over Isfahan Province, Iran, prompting a rescue operation for the two pilots. U.S. special operations forces, including Delta Force and Navy SEALs, conducted the operation, which involved airstrikes and the destruction of malfunctioning transport aircraft. Satellite imagery revealed significant damage in the area, with Iran claiming to have targeted several U.S. aircraft during the incident.
- An F-15E was shot down over Iran, and two crew members ejected and were rescued.
- Satellite images revealed at least 28 craters in the rescue area, indicating precision strikes.
- U.S. special operations forces, including Delta Force and Navy SEALs, participated in the operation.
- Two malfunctioning U.S. transport aircraft were destroyed to prevent capture by Iranian forces.
- Iran claimed to have hit multiple U.S. aircraft during the rescue attempt.