TLDR;
This video recounts the daring US special forces rescue operation of an F-15E Wizzo (Weapon Systems Officer) who was shot down over Iran in April 2026. The operation involved a high-stakes search and rescue mission in the rugged Zagros Mountains, with the IRGC and local militias actively hunting the downed airman. The successful extraction required a coordinated effort from various special operations teams, advanced aircraft, and unwavering commitment to leave no war fighter behind.
- US special forces rescued a downed F-15E Wizzo from the Zagros Mountains in Iran.
- The rescue operation involved evading the IRGC and local militias, supported by US intelligence and special operations teams.
- A massive firefight erupted during the extraction, showcasing the intensity of the mission and the capabilities of US forces.
Introduction to the Rescue Operation [0:00]
On April 5th, 2026, US special forces successfully rescued the second crew member, a Wizzo, of an F-15E fighter jet that was shot down over the Zagros Mountains in southwestern Iran. The operation, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, was conducted by a specialized commando unit supported by extensive air cover. The rescue took place in the challenging terrain of the Chamahar and Bktari province, near Dashot, characterized by steep ridges and rocky valleys.
President Trump's Announcement and US Response [1:04]
President Trump announced the successful rescue, highlighting the daring nature of the operation and the commitment to rescuing the American war fighter. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was actively searching for the Wizzo, even offering rewards to locals for his capture. The US responded with overwhelming force, deploying elite special operations teams, including Air Force Pararescue (PJs), Naval Special Warfare Development Group operators, and potentially Delta Force, backed by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Nightstalkers) and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs for close air support. MQ9 Reaper drones provided overhead surveillance and support, striking Iranian military personnel who posed a threat to the airman.
The F-15E Shootdown and Initial Rescue Efforts [5:10]
The F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down by Iranian fire on April 3rd, 2026, over the Zagros Mountains. Both the pilot and the Wizzo ejected safely but were separated. The pilot was rescued the next day, but the HH60W Jolly Green helicopters involved in the initial rescue sustained damage and crew members were wounded. US officials remained silent on the second rescue to protect the Wizzo, who was being actively hunted by IRGC units and locals with a bounty on his head.
The Colonel's Survival and Evasion [6:27]
After ejecting, the Wizzo, a highly respected colonel, landed hard and sustained injuries but immediately initiated evasion tactics. Using his Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training, he moved away from the wreckage, utilizing the terrain to break line of sight with search parties. He climbed through the mountains, avoiding open areas and villages, and used a combat survivor evader locator beacon to send short, encrypted data bursts to US Central Command ( সেন্টকম). He rationed his supplies, stayed mobile, and remained hidden, enduring harsh conditions while evading capture for nearly 48 hours.
Planning and Preparation for the Rescue [9:08]
Once the Wizzo confirmed he was alive, Sentcom initiated a full-scale rescue operation. A presidential task force assembled a joint special operations unit, conducting rapid intelligence briefs, rehearsals, and contingency planning. The ground team included Air Force PJs, Navy SEALs, Delta Force commandos, and Green Berets. Air support was provided by the 160th SOAR with MH6 Little Birds, HC130J Combat King tankers, MC130J Commando II transports, and potentially C295W aircraft from the 427th Special Operations Squadron. A-10 fighters and MQ9 Reaper drones provided additional support and surveillance.
The Rescue Operation and Firefight [10:47]
Under the cover of darkness on April 4th and 5th, the rescue team infiltrated deep into contested territory near Iranian missile bases and nuclear sites. Nightstalker helicopters inserted the ground teams near the Wizzo's hide site. As the team linked up with the colonel and began moving him out, Iranian forces closed in, triggering a massive firefight. US special operations forces unleashed heavy suppressive fire, supported by A-10s and Little Birds. The engagement was intense and close quarters, with rumors of destroyed Little Birds at the crash site.
Exfiltration and Mission Completion [12:14]
After the firefight, the rescue force rendezvoused at a remote airfield south of Istafon. Multiple MC130J Commando II transports landed to extract the team, but two of the aircraft became bogged down in the sand. With Iranian forces closing in, the special operations teams destroyed the aircraft to prevent the technology from falling into Iranian hands. Replacement aircraft, possibly C295Ws, arrived to extract the entire force, including the Wizzo, safely out of Iran. The mission was completed with no Americans killed, demonstrating the US military's commitment to leaving no war fighter behind.
