NYT: Rescued F-15E weapons officer flown to Kuwait for medical care

The second crew member of an American F-15E fighter jet, shot down over Iran on April 3, has been transported to Kuwait for medical care, The New York Times reports, citing officials.

The rescued officer, a colonel, spent more than a day behind enemy lines in mountainous terrain armed only with a pistol, while the pilot was evacuated immediately after ejecting.

The two-seat F-15E was downed over Iranian territory on April 3. According to Axios, both the pilot and weapons officer successfully established contact after ejection. The pilot was rescued within hours.

During the operation, one US Black Hawk helicopter involved in the rescue was hit by Iranian forces; its crew sustained injuries but the aircraft managed to leave the area.

By Jeyhun Aghazada