I’m really starting to lean on the theory that this was not an rescue op, but a special forces mission to probably steal Iranian uranium. Explains why there were so many planes lost and why Trump is going apeshit rn with his movie villain monologue with deadlines. Why Hegseth also fired a bunch of generals, like gen. Randy George who likely opposed the idea beforehand. Trump is just obsessed on getting something over Iran that he could call a win and get a face saving option out of the war. Now his plan failed and he needs to double down.
I’ve also seen some people suggesting this actually, and honestly it’s starting to look plausible. The rescue narrative gets so much more interesting when you realize the pilot would’ve had to walk 172 km in a single day to get to the location from crash sight and other pilot. And the video of the jet getting shot down clearly shows they both ejected at the same time.
The two points on that Google Maps screenshot show the crash site of the downed F-15E in central Iran (lower black circle) and the location where the second crew member (weapons systems officer) was supposedly rescued by U.S. special forces (upper red pin near Shahrekord).
Didn’t they lose two of those big transport planes in the operation too? Not what they would normally send for picking up 1 airman
yeah exactly
Seeming more plausible, and I didn’t connect the firings until now. Good point.
I’m thinking they used the rescue as cover to pull off a separate raid, which failed, and there was a sustained firefight at the airfield. It’s unusual to have both an HC and MC-130 involved in a rescue operation along with MH-6 helicopters and everything else. That’s a big operation compared to a typical rescue package and torching that equipment meant things went south in a hurry.
As a former C-130 loadmaster, I was bummed to see those planes destroyed. Expensive, but also extremely valuable operationally. That’s a big loss.
:bart-cowabunga-dude-sick-skateboard-trick-over-flag-draped-coffin:
