Intense clashes erupted between U.S. special forces and Iranian armed personnel in the mountains of Iran, posing significant challenges to rescue operations.

U.S. pilot has been found! Foreign media reports intense clashes between both sides! On April 5, foreign media reported that the U.S. Army Special Forces clashed directly with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Basij Militia forces. The confrontation took place in the Miras mountain area of the Zagros Mountains in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran. The U.S. Air Force Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) team has located the second crew member of the downed 494th Fighter Squadron F-15E aircraft, and is currently attempting a rescue operation.

The U.S. Air Force has deployed A-10C attack aircraft, F-35A stealth fighters, at least one HC-130J search and rescue transport aircraft, and two HH-60W rescue helicopters to the region, all of which have come under attack from Iranian light and heavy firepower. It must be said that, given the deployment configuration used by the United States for this operation, it is undoubtedly top-tier equipment. The F-35A fighter, through its stealth capabilities, can suppress enemy aircraft and air defense radars, clearing the skies of aerial threats.

The A-10C attack aircraft flies low and close to the ground, using its cannons and rocket pods to suppress attacks from infantry and lightly armored vehicles on the ground. The HH-60W helicopters are tasked with extraction missions, while the HC-130J provides aerial refueling, communication relay, supply drops, and support for evacuation operations. It cannot be denied that the United States has invested heavily to rescue this pilot. However, objectively speaking, the difficulty of the rescue mission remains significant, as the operation takes place deep within Iran’s inland mountainous terrain.

The challenges faced by U.S. forces include the absence of any safe buffer zones, operating deep behind enemy lines without rear support or logistical bases. If engaged by Iranian ground forces, simply relying on air superiority will not fully eliminate Iranian ground combat units. Iran is certain to use both light and heavy weapons to attack the HH-60W helicopters, thwarting the American rescue effort. In the worst case, the Americans may fail to extract the pilot and end up losing an entire small-scale rescue team.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861582965166090/

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