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U.S. airman shot down in Iran was rescued from a mountain crevice
Summary
President Donald Trump announced that a U.S. Air Force colonel shot down over southwestern Iran was located and evacuated after more than 24 hours hiding in a mountain crevice, and U.S. officials said he was injured but expected to recover.
Content
A U.S. Air Force member whose F-15E was shot down over southwestern Iran was found and evacuated after more than 24 hours, President Donald Trump announced. U.S. officials said the airman used Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training while hiding in a mountain crevice and activated an emergency beacon to allow forces to locate him. The pilot who ejected with him was rescued earlier. Iranian state media reported additional aircraft were struck during the broader operation, and U.S. officials reported malfunctions affected some U.S. aircraft.
Key details:
- President Trump announced early Sunday that the rescued airman, described as a colonel, was injured but expected to recover.
- The F-15E was reported shot down over southwestern Iran; a second crew member was rescued earlier.
- U.S. officials say the rescued airman evaded capture for about a day and a half before activating an emergency beacon.
- Iran's state media said helicopters and a transport plane were downed; U.S. officials said some aircraft suffered malfunctions and were destroyed after being left behind.
Summary:
The immediate situation ended with the evacuation of the rescued airman, who U.S. officials say is injured but will recover. Broader details about the operation, including the status of other aircraft and longer-term implications, are undetermined at this time.
