Source: Fortune.com
Summary
The US military conducted a daring rescue of two aviators whose F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet was shot down by Iran. The CIA launched a deception campaign to throw off Iranian forces, claiming the US had already located the second crew member. The rescue operation was fraught with obstacles, including two Black Hawk helicopters coming under fire and technical malfunctions with transport planes. The US military blew up two planes that were left behind. President Donald Trump described the operation as a success, saying the US will never leave an American warfighter behind.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
The US military faced major obstacles in the rescue operation, including two Black Hawk helicopters coming under fire and technical malfunctions with transport planes. The CIA’s deception campaign aimed to throw off Iranian forces and protect the second crew member. The operation was conducted in broad daylight over Iran, with the US military monitoring the airman’s location continuously. Trump said the American aviator was “hunted down” by enemies and directed the military to send dozens of heavily armed aircraft to rescue him.
The strategy enters a familiar phase: the US military blowing up its own planes to avoid leaving them behind.
Author: Evan Null
