'I'd love to keep that a secret, Mr. President': Trump's boasts about Iran rescue flummox top advisors
Fortune • • nation
Key Points:
- U.S. forces successfully rescued the pilot of a downed F-15E Strike Eagle in Iran within hours, employing helicopters, midair refuelers, and fighter aircraft in a high-risk operation under heavy enemy fire.
- The second crew member, the weapons systems officer, was rescued nearly two days later after evading capture by hiding in mountainous terrain and using advanced communication technology to signal U.S. forces.
- During the rescue, an A-10 Warthog aircraft was damaged by enemy fire and the pilot ejected safely, while HH-60 Jolly Green II helicopters involved in the mission sustained minor damage and injuries.
- The CIA played a critical role in locating the second aviator using sophisticated intelligence technology and deception tactics to mislead Iranian forces searching for him.
- The operation involved hundreds of U.S. personnel and multiple aircraft, with extensive coordination among military and intelligence agencies, and included measures to destroy equipment on the ground to prevent Iranian capture.
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