Israeli forces took part in search for US aviator in Iran – report

Operation that led to the rescue of an American aviator who was shot down over Iran reportedly included Israeli commando units operating on the ground in Iran.

By World Israel News Staff

The search-and-rescue operation that ultimately culminated in the safe return of an American aviator who was shot down over Iran involved several Israeli special forces units, which were deployed on the ground in Iran to help locate the downed US Air Force service member, according to a report published on Sunday afternoon.

Over the weekend, President Donald Trump announced that the F-15E weapons systems officer who was missing inside Iran after his fighter aircraft was shot down on Friday during a combat mission had been recovered.

“WE GOT HIM!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account.

“I am thrilled to let you know is now SAFE and SOUND! This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies.”

“At my direction, the U.S. Military sent dozens of aircraft, armed with the most lethal weapons in the World, to retrieve him.”

Trump added that the officer “sustained injuries, but he will be just fine.”

The pilot of the downed F-15E also ejected and was safely recovered by the US on Friday.

A report by Iran International cited multiple Israeli sources who said that the operation to recover the weapons systems officer involved two Israeli command units: the Israeli Air Force’s Unit 5101, also known as the “Shaldag Unit,” and the army’s Unit 269, also known as “Sayeret Matkal.”

The sources cited by the report said the rescue operation lasted some 36 hours.

No details were provided regarding the precise extent of Israel’s participation or whether Israeli forces located the missing weapons systems officer.

According to prominent journalist Amit Segal, Israel has officially denied the report.