US special forces launched a high-stakes raid into Iran on Sunday to rescue an injured airman left stranded in a remote mountainous region after his aircraft was shot down two days earlier. Details have emerged about how the US raced against the clock and advancing Iranian operatives to find the officer deep inside hostile territory. The airman's ordeal began on Friday when an F-15E Strike Eagle jet was shot down over south-western Iran - the first incident of its kind in more than 20 years. The two US military personnel on board ejected and, while the pilot was rescued the same day, the second crew member - a weapons operator - remained stranded. Official confirmation soon followed swirling reports that a US airman was missing inside a war zone. Reports surfaced of US aircraft flying low over the area, while Iran offered a significant bounty for anyone who found him alive. The airman hid in a mountain crevice, skillfully using his training to evade detection while intermittently turning on a beacon signal to assist with locating him. Despite being severely injured, he managed to communicate information on Iranian troop movements. The CIA successfully traced the airman's exact location, which allowed for a meticulously coordinated rescue that involved 155 aircraft including bombers and refueling tankers. However, the US faced complications as some aircraft were destroyed to prevent them from falling into enemy hands. The operation concluded with the recovery of the airman, who was subsequently transported to Kuwait for medical treatment. The US military's swift action illustrates the pressing tensions in the region and the lengths to which they will go to ensure the safety of their personnel.