A U.S. pilot who went missing after a fighter jet was shot down over Iran has been safely rescued following a high-risk operation marked by intense clashes. The incident involved an F-15E Strike Eagle that went down during ongoing military tensions, triggering a complex search-and-rescue mission deep inside hostile territory.
According to reports from Washington, U.S. officials confirmed that the second missing pilot, or airman, was located and successfully extracted from Iran. The operation took place overnight between Saturday and Sunday in Dehdasht, a city in Iran’s Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, where U.S. forces carried out a large-scale and dangerous mission.
Heavy exchanges of fire were reported throughout the night. Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera, citing local sources, said at least four people were killed and one injured, though unofficial reports suggest the toll could be higher.
While the clashes have not been formally confirmed, activity in the area indicated intense efforts by U.S. commandos to recover the pilot. The situation was further complicated as Iranian authorities had also been searching for the pilot and had offered a reward to civilians.
BREAKING: American and Iranian forces are reportedly in direct ground combat across two provinces in southwestern Iran.
At least 4 killed in Dehdasht, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, per local officials, with footage showing an apparent failed launch and background booms.… pic.twitter.com/wmoKdSqeSi
— The Hormuz Letter (@HormuzLetter) April 5, 2026
A senior U.S. official noted that locating the missing airman was a major success, but extracting him safely was the real challenge. It remains unclear whether the rescued individual is male or female, as “airman” applies to both.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the rescue on Sunday via social media, calling it one of the most daring search-and-rescue operations in American history. He revealed that the recovered officer is a highly respected colonel who is now safe, despite minor injuries, and is expected to fully recover.
Trump added that dozens of advanced aircraft and weapons were used in the mission. He also disclosed that this was the second successful rescue in two days, with another pilot saved earlier.
