US Air Force officer recounts 50-hour ordeal in Iran after fighter jet was shot down

WASHINGTON — A US Air Force colonel spent nearly 50 hours hiding inside Iran after his F-15E fighter jet was shot down during a mission near the city of Isfahan in April, CBS News reported.

The officer, identified by the mission call sign “Bravo” for security reasons, was the weapons-systems officer aboard the two-seat fighter jet. He and the pilot, identified as “Alpha,” ejected after the aircraft was hit but became separated during their descent.

The aircraft, operating under the mission call sign “Dude 44,” was reportedly struck by an Iranian shoulder-fired missile on April 2 while carrying out a strike near Isfahan.

According to CBS News, the mission targeted industrial facilities linked to Iran’s drone and missile programmes.

After landing on the ground, Bravo was left behind Iranian lines and spent nearly 50 hours hiding while attempting to avoid detection by Iranian forces.

He was eventually located and rescued in an operation involving US military and intelligence personnel.

The ordeal highlights the risks faced by US service members conducting military operations in areas controlled by hostile forces, particularly when aircraft are downed behind enemy lines.

CBS News said the officer’s identity was withheld and that the call signs were used because of security concerns.

GAROWE ONLINE