U.S. Military Conducts Attack During Rescue Operation in Iran
High-level sources indicated that the commander of U.S. Central Command authorized a strike on an underground facility belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps while a rescue mission was underway following the downing of a U.S. fighter jet in Iran.
During this operation, CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper ordered an aerial attack on the Revolutionary Guard headquarters located near Tehran. Reports suggest that a B2 bomber executed the strike using a large ordinance-piercing device, similar to the one employed in last year’s Operation Midnight Hammer. Sources confirmed that the facility was destroyed.
A senior U.S. defense official mentioned that U.S. B-1 bombers dropped 100 2,000-pound bombs to create a safe zone around the rescue area.
A military official mentioned to sources that they “expressed their enthusiasm” regarding the actions taken against the Revolutionary Guards.
Challenges in Rescue Operations
Experts in rescue missions highlight that the most perilous time occurs after a “jackpot” call, signaling a successful rescue deep behind enemy lines.
According to a U.S. military press release, the operation successfully rescued two service members after an F-15E was shot down. The rescue was reportedly executed between two separate missions. Having acquired vital information about the locations of several Revolutionary Guards commanders in underground bunkers, Cooper directed B2 bombers to operate from Whiteman Air Force Base in the U.S. The B2 subsequently dropped a massive bunker buster bomb.
Analysis of the Rescue Operations
Former Pentagon officials warn that the recent air rescue demonstrates Iran’s capability to infiltrate enemy territories. An image emerged showing wreckage allegedly belonging to a U.S. military helicopter that crashed during the search for a downed pilot of an F-15E.
After the successful rescue, President Trump posted on Truth Social, stating, “We rescued a seriously injured and truly brave F-15 crew/officer from deep in the mountains of Iran. Iranian forces were numerous and alert, closing in. He is a highly respected colonel. This kind of operation is rarely attempted due to high risks.” He emphasized that such actions shouldn’t be taken lightly.
According to statements from involved personnel, the second raid happened after the first, and the pilot was rescued in broad daylight—an unusual tactic—taking about seven hours over Iranian airspace. They commended the bravery and skill demonstrated during the entire operation.
