In a significant escalation revealing direct US combat operations within Iranian territory, American special forces conducted a daring nighttime raid to extract the second crew member of a downed F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet. The aircraft was shot down over southwestern Iran on April 3, 2026, prompting an intense race between US forces and Iranian Revolutionary Guard units to locate the ejected airmen. The weapons systems officer (WSO), who had been evading capture, was recovered alive following a heavy firefight involving specialized commando units supported by extensive air cover. President Trump confirmed the success on Truth Social with the statement "WE GOT HIM!", describing it as one of the most daring search-and-rescue operations in US history. This event occurs amid broader conflict involving Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, including air defenses and sites near the Bushehr nuclear plant, as well as Iranian drone attacks on Kuwaiti infrastructure. The operation highlights the operational reach of US forces and the risks of direct engagement rarely detailed in public reporting, with one crew member rescued earlier and the second extraction involving Delta Force elements and emergency demolition of a compromised aircraft at a forward refueling point. Multiple officials confirmed all US personnel exited Iranian territory safely.