Image: صوت الإمارات

US Forces Rescues Downed Colonel in Iran, Marks First Troops on Iranian Soil

06 April, 2026.Iran.11 sources

Key Takeaways

U.S. special forces conducted a high-stakes raid to rescue a downed airman in Iran.
The F-15E was shot down in a remote southeastern Iran mountainous region.
Dozens of aircraft and support teams aided the rescue operation.

Daring Rescue Operation

US elite forces executed a complex air-ground extraction of Colonel Barksdale after his F-15E was shot down.

“How rescue of US airman in remote part of Iran unfolded US special forces launched a high-stakes raid into Iran on Sunday to rescue an injured airman left stranded in a remote mountainous region after his aircraft was shot down two days earlier”

BBC

Over 150 aircraft were mobilized, firing 339 munitions over 50 hours.

BBC

The rescue marked the first time American troops set foot on Iranian soil in decades.

Extraction Challenges

A C-130 cargo plane became stuck and was destroyed to prevent capture.

The CIA orchestrated a deception campaign inside Iran.

CBS News

Trump described the rescue as an Easter miracle.

Broader Political Impact

The rescue heightened tensions in an escalating conflict.

“- i24NEWS - International - US / Canada - Trump: Iran can be destroyed overnight, maybe it will happen tomorrow night Trump: Iran can be destroyed overnight, maybe it will happen tomorrow night US President Donald Trump addressed the media on his 48-hour ultimatum to Iran over reopening the Strait of Hormuz and hailed the dramatic rescue of an F-15 pilot from the Iranian mountains US President Trump warned Monday that Iran could be “destroyed in one night” and that such action “could happen tomorrow night,” as Washington’s ultimatum over the Strait of Hormuz moves toward expiration”