CBS publishes rescue footage and first interview of aviators shot down over Iran

CBS News published first footage of the April rescue of two American airmen shot down over Iran, and one aviator gave his first interview about the ordeal.

• CBS News published first footage of the rescue of two US aviators whose F-15E was shot down over Iran in April; the network reported 21 US aircraft took part.
• Aviator Bravo, in his first interview on CBS's 60 Minutes, said he was "free-falling" with a damaged parachute and struck the ground at 70–100 mph, breaking his back, shoulder and arm.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said aviator Alpha was rescued within six hours in "a gun fight all the way in and all the way out"; Bravo was rescued after 48 hours.
• Central Command Adm. Brad Cooper said over 90 US service members operated on the ground inside Iran, the first US military operation there in 46 years.
• The two officers parachuted into a mountainous area south of Isfahan, landing about five miles apart.
• Alpha was recovered after about eight hours in a daytime operation involving 21 aircraft, the CIA using advanced technology to locate Bravo.
• Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine said the daytime rescue was risky but prompted by the threat's proximity to the officer.