Rescue Under Fire: U.S. Helicopters Targeted During CSR Mission
A U.S. combat search and rescue mission over southwestern Iran came under direct fire as crews attempted to locate the missing airman from a downed F-15E Strike Eagle. Video shows armed men on the ground opening fire on low-flying American helicopters supporting the operation.
Insane footage of Iranian police officers wielding automatic rifles opening firing on U.S. Air Force HH-60G “Pave Hawk” Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) Helicopters flying low earlier today over Southern Iran, during the search for the crewmembers of an American F-15E Strike Eagle… pic.twitter.com/LKIFdM5nQJ
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) April 3, 2026
The footage captures a tense moment. Several men exit a vehicle in an open field and raise what appear to be automatic rifles. As a helicopter passes at low altitude, they begin firing. Moments later, the camera pans to a second aircraft, which also comes under fire.
The Risks of Combat Search and Rescue
Combat search and rescue missions are among the most dangerous operations in modern air warfare. Aircraft must fly low and slow, often inside hostile territory, to locate and recover downed personnel. This makes them highly vulnerable to ground fire, even from small arms.
Footage shows small-arms fire reportedly targeting U.S. rescue aircraft over Iran, deployed after an F‑15E Strike Eagle was shot down. https://t.co/l5bJZYovKN pic.twitter.com/LhNwlKeRIN
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) April 3, 2026
The helicopters involved are likely HH-60G Pave Hawk variants, supported by fixed wing aircraft and escorts. These crews are trained to operate under fire, but the conditions seen in the video reflect the constant threat they face.
The mission itself was launched after an F-15E was shot down during Operation Epic Fury. One crew member has already been recovered, while efforts continue to locate the second.
