India, April 5 -- After a US F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down by Iran on Friday, one crew member remained stranded deep inside enemy territory for nearly two days. What followed was a high-stakes race against time as US forces launched a complex rescue operation under constant threat.

The search began with efforts by the Central Intelligence Agency, which deployed advanced surveillance tools to locate the missing officer.

According to reports, the agency also ran a deception campaign-spreading misinformation that the airman had already been rescued-to confuse adversaries and reduce the risk of capture while the pilot moved through rugged terrain.

Elite forces move in

Once the airman's location was confirmed, U.S. special operatio...