
US special forces rescue team faces 'harrowing and dangerous' search for crew member downed over Iran
April 4, 2026
GB News
US special forces rescue teams are engaged in a harrowing and dangerous search for a downed US airman somewhere in southern Iran.Elite Air Force pararescue units scrambled for a rescue mission after a F-15E fighter jet was shot down by forces of the Islamic Republic. The warplane’s pilot was successfully extracted by US personnel on Friday, but the search for the weapon systems officer continues deep within hostile airspace.Pararescue jumpers, among the most highly trained special operations forces in the American military, are conducting the recovery effort in Iran's Khuzestan province.

TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Operations of this nature rank among the most intricate and time-pressured undertakings that US and allied forces prepare for.At least 24 elite operators flying Black Hawk helicopters will likely be deployed to the region, according to a former commander of a pararescue jumpers squadron. The former officer described the mission in grave terms, explaining that: Harrowing and massively dangerous is an understatement.This is what they train to do, all over the world. They are known as the Swiss Army knives of the Air Force.MORE TO FOLLOWOur Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
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