Arabic version: عملية بحث جارية عن عضو الطاقم الأمريكي الثاني في إيران

A complex rescue operation is currently taking place in Iran following the downing of a US F-15 fighter aircraft. Reports indicate that the pilot has been rescued, but efforts are ongoing to locate a second crew member, according to CBS, the BBC’s US partner.

According to BBC News, combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions are among the most challenging military operations, requiring elite air force units trained to operate in hostile environments. These missions are time-sensitive, as enemy forces may be present in the area.

A former commander of a pararescue jumpers squadron emphasized the dangers involved, stating that operations like the one in Iran are “harrowing and massively dangerous.” The rescue team typically includes at least 24 pararescue jumpers who use helicopters for the operation and may need to jump from planes to reach the crew member.

The ongoing search effort is complicated by the difficult terrain and the potential presence of enemy forces. Former US Marine Corps Special Operations specialist Jonathan Hackett noted that the team would focus on locating signs of life and tracing the last known position of the missing crew member.

CSAR missions have a rich history, with their roots tracing back to World War One. The US Air Force’s pararescue teams are primarily responsible for these operations, ensuring that no military personnel are left behind. Recent decades have seen fewer missions to recover downed pilots, making the current operation in Iran particularly significant.