The second pilot/WSO from the downed F-15 fighter jet on Friday was saved in an on-ground US rescue mission, which involved an epic and grueling battle with Iranian forces.
What an incredible miracle on the eve of Easter, thanks to our tireless heroes in uniform!
Author and journalist Toby Harnden, who spent almost 25 years working for British newspapers, primarily as a foreign correspondent, was first to break the news.
The missing WSO from the shot-down USAF F-15E is now safe and back in American hands. An officer involved in monitoring the CSAR in southern Iran describing the aviator’s incredible tenacity: “He evaded up a 7k ridge. They’ve been schwackin’ dudes chasing him all day. Was nuts.”…
— Toby Harnden (@tobyharnden) April 5, 2026
Al-Jazeera later part of confirmed Harnden’s report; however, U.S. forces were still trying to get the pilot back to safety.
Now, Jennifer Griffin of Fox News has confirmed the pilot is rescued and safe.
2nd American F15E crew member rescued and safe after complex rescue operation that began Friday morning, two senior US officials confirm to me.
— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) April 5, 2026
Independent Journalist Nick Sortor has as well:
BREAKING: After an INCREDIBLY dangerous mission by US Special Forces, our downed F-15 WSO has been successfully RESCUED and EXFILTRATED following an intense firefight, a US official confirms to me
These guys are absolute HEROES.
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) April 5, 2026
BREAKING: After an INCREDIBLY dangerous mission by US Special Forces, our downed F-15 WSO has been successfully RESCUED and EXFILTRATED following an intense firefight, a US official confirms to me
Here is a rough recap of how the operation unfolded live on X:
Independent reporter Mario Nawfal first revealed that an on-the-ground military operation and rescue mission are currently underway in southwest Iran, after the second pilot was found.
THE SECOND PILOT HAS BEEN LOCATED. EVACUATION IN PROGRESS
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 4, 2026
Pave Hawks reportedly airborne over Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces.
Heavy clashes ongoing.
Source: @officialrnintel https://t.co/UcW9lZdNaL pic.twitter.com/EBeDn3dnez
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 4, 2026
BREAKING: Air Force Pararescue Jumpers mounting a live rescue operation inside Iran right now.
The location is in the southwestern city of Kohgiluyeh, in the Boyer-Ahmad province.
It been confirm that the south west city is Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province https://t.co/64szC0ggqI
— USA
VS IRAN
It was a race against time as civilians and Iranian security forces rushed towards the area.
No update on our WSO’s status yet.
It’s a race against the clock. pic.twitter.com/ZNUvqsGRIp
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) April 5, 2026
Iranian State media claimed that repeated heavy airstrikes on Basij and IRGC convoys in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad prevented Iranian forces from reaching the pilot.
Iranian state media claims U.S. A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft repeatedly struck Basij and IRGC convoys in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad as they attempted to capture a downed U.S. pilot. Heavy U.S. strikes reportedly prevented them from reaching the pilot.Stay connected,… pic.twitter.com/qZip3noDIX
— Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) April 5, 2026
JUST IN:
Another video from Southwest Iran shows plainclothes basijis mourning the loss of several Iranian regime terrorists in the mountains.
BREAKING:
Video from southwest Iran.
Plainclothes basijis just found several of their fellow regime thugs killed in the mountains, probably by American forces.
“They’re soldiers. Plainclothes. Oh God. Oh Hossein. They killed them.”
Complete panic. pic.twitter.com/ymg55GEJCe
—
︎ (@NiohBerg)
Intense clashes continued between the US and Iranian forces.
It is NOT believed that he’s been extracted yet
But US forces are going hard. Keep praying
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) April 5, 2026
As TGP’s Jordan Conradson reported, two more US military aircraft were downed in the Middle East on Friday, in addition to an F-15E Strike Eagle that crashed earlier.
An A-10 Warthog reportedly went down contemporaneously with the crash of the F-15, according to the New York Times.
While the first F-15 pilot was rescued, the search for the second continued. Iranian officials had promised a reward for his capture.
Additionally, a Black Hawk helicopter was hit by Iran. Preliminary reports suggest that the Blackhawk was hit during search-and-rescue operations but landed safely.
It was later reported that two helicopters were struck by Iranian fire during the search and rescue, but all crew members are safe.
The post BREAKING: AN EASTER MIRACLE! Second Pilot from Downed F-15 Fighter Jet RESCUED In Iran By U.S. Forces Following BRUTAL and INTENSE Fight With Iranian Terrorists (VIDEOS) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
