Urdu Report Desk
US Central Command has released video footage of the dramatic rescue of an American airman from Iran, five months after the incident took place.
The footage shows the recovery of a member of the crew of a US fighter jet that was shot down over Iran in April.
One Crew Member Rescued Within Hours
The aircraft was carrying a two-member crew. One of the airmen was rescued within a few hours of the incident, while the other remained injured in Iran’s mountainous terrain for approximately 50 hours.
The stranded airman was the weapons officer aboard the downed fighter jet. His survival and eventual rescue have now been detailed in newly released footage.
First on 60 Minutes: Newly declassified video shows the rescue of the U.S. Air Force pilot who was shot down over Iran in April. https://t.co/jGagMqLvCy pic.twitter.com/KxqUITvbAN
— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) September 14, 2026
Injured Airman Evaded Iranian Forces
According to the account, the American officer sustained serious injuries, including a broken shoulder and back, after his parachute failed to open properly.
He spent two days moving between hiding places to avoid Iranian forces. He also climbed a mountain approximately 7,000 feet high in an effort to survive.
Rescued Colonel Shares His Experience
The rescued American colonel has spoken publicly about his experience for the first time, describing how he survived for two days while injured in Iranian territory.
He also recounted how an American rescue team eventually reached him and brought him to safety.
