A dramatic U.S. rescue operation deep inside Iran has drawn global attention, after American officials confirmed the extraction of a wounded airman whose fighter jet was shot down earlier this month.

The incident began on April 3, when a U.S. F-15 jet carrying two crew members was hit by Iranian fire. Both ejected safely, but while the pilot was rescued quickly, the second airman was left stranded in hostile territory.

According to U.S. officials, the missing officer survived by hiding in mountainous terrain and limiting his electronic signals to avoid detection. Armed only with a handgun and survival training, he remained on the run as Iranian forces intensified their search.

Tehran reportedly sought to capture the airman alive, even offering a reward. Videos circulating online showed armed civilians combing areas in southern Iran.

In response, the United States launched a complex rescue operation involving special forces, fighter jets, and intelligence surveillance. The CIA is said to have tracked the airman’s movements in real time.

U.S. forces also deployed deception tactics, spreading misinformation and sending false signals to mislead Iranian units.

The mission concluded shortly before midnight, when the airman was successfully evacuated to Kuwait for treatment. Donald Trump described him as seriously wounded but expected to recover.

Iran, however, claims the operation was foiled, leaving the full details of the mission disputed.