world 5 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
US Commandos' Daring Iran Rescue Hits Snag with Aircraft Failure
A high-stakes US special operations mission in Iran successfully extracted a downed weapons specialist but faced a critical setback when transport aircraft malfunctioned, forcing commanders to improvise an extraction under enemy fire. Quick decisions ensured the elite team escaped without capture amid the escalating five-week conflict. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/how-a-perilous-us-rescue-mission-in-iran-nearly-went-off-course-5414208
Under the cover of night, US commandos infiltrated deep into Iranian territory south of Tehran, scaling a 7,000-foot ridge to rescue a stranded American weapons specialist from a downed F-15E Strike Eagle. The operation, part of a five-week conflict, initially proceeded flawlessly as the team moved the airman to a rendezvous point.
Disaster struck when two MC-130 aircraft, carrying about 100 special operations forces, suffered mechanical failures and couldn’t take off. A US official described it as a ‘holy shit’ moment, with commandos suddenly at risk of being trapped behind enemy lines.
Commanders ordered smaller turboprop aircraft to extract the group in waves, a tense gamble that succeeded after hours of waiting. The forces destroyed the disabled MC-130s and four helicopters to avoid leaving sensitive gear behind.
The rescued colonel, who had sprained his ankle and hidden in a hilltop crevice, authenticated himself to rescuers after establishing contact. Supporting measures included CIA deception, electronic jamming, and bombing nearby roads to block Iranian access.
This marked the second crew member saved from the F-15 downed in Isfahan province; the pilot was rescued earlier. The mission faced resistance, with two Black Hawk helicopters hit but escaping, and an A-10 pilot ejecting over Kuwait.
President Trump hailed it as one of the most daring US search-and-rescue operations in history, with the airman expected to recover. The conflict has claimed 13 US lives and wounded over 300, as Trump pressures Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)