Washington, April 6 (NationPress) - In a daring and complex military operation, US forces successfully executed a high-risk rescue of a downed American airman within Iranian territory, employing a strategic deception campaign, as reported by various media sources.

This mission was initiated following the crash of a US F-15E fighter jet over Iran, which left one crew member stranded for nearly 48 hours while Iranian forces conducted a search operation.

To buy critical time, US intelligence officials orchestrated a deception strategy, disseminating false claims that the airman had already been found and was being transported out of the country, according to Politico's sources from senior administration officials.

“The CIA circulated information within Iran suggesting that US forces had located the airman and were in the process of exfiltrating him via ground routes,” the report revealed. This tactic aimed to mislead Iranian search teams, thereby allowing US forces to pinpoint the airman’s actual location.

“This ruse provided the CIA with the necessary time to successfully locate the downed airman and discreetly communicate his precise position to both the White House and the Pentagon,” Politico noted further.

Meanwhile, on the ground, the airman managed to evade capture amidst challenging terrain. He sheltered alone in the mountains, seeking higher ground and hiding in crevices to avoid Iranian patrols, as reported by CNN.

Equipped with limited tools, including a firearm, a communication device, and a tracking beacon, he remained out of reach for over a day while US forces endeavored to locate him.

The US military organized a comprehensive search-and-rescue operation that involved special operations units, surveillance aircraft, and air support. Notable elite units participating included Army Delta Force and Navy SEAL Team Six, according to CNN.

The pilot of the aircraft had been rescued earlier, but the absence of the second crew member instigated an urgent response.

As reported by The Washington Post, the rescue mission swiftly escalated into a paramount priority for US military and intelligence agencies. “The US military and CIA collaborated on a high-stakes operation to rescue a fighter jet crew member shot down over Iran,” the publication stated.

After confirming the airman’s location, US commandos executed their extraction under the cover of darkness. Support from warplanes was provided, striking surrounding areas to deter Iranian forces from advancing, as noted by The New York Times.

“The commandos engaged in heavy fire to prevent any Iranian forces from approaching their position,” the report cited US officials.

The operation was not without its challenges. Aircraft involved faced mechanical issues, forcing commanders to alter their plans and call for additional support, according to both The Washington Post and The New York Times.

Despite these hurdles, US forces successfully completed the mission and evacuated the airman.

President Donald Trump commended the operation, describing it as one of “the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in US History.”

“We have rescued the seriously injured, yet incredibly brave, F-15 Crew Member/Officer from deep within the mountains of Iran … A remarkable demonstration of courage and skill by all!” Trump expressed in a social media post.

He further noted that Iranian forces had been “intensely searching, in substantial numbers, and were getting close” to capturing the airman prior to the rescue.

The operation integrated a wide array of military and intelligence resources. According to The Wall Street Journal, it incorporated special operations forces, numerous aircraft, and a last-minute CIA deception initiative.

The stakes were exceptionally high, as the capture of the airman could have granted Iran significant leverage in the ongoing conflict, possibly affecting negotiations or propaganda efforts.

This incident also underscored the importance of survival training for US aircrews. Former military officials told Fox News that such scenarios exemplify “the high-stakes training that prepares pilots for the worst,” including evasion and endurance in hostile environments.