Newly released satellite imagery has revealed the burnt remains of US aircraft at a remote Iranian airstrip. The site was used during a daring rescue operation for a weapons systems officer whose F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down inside Iran earlier this month.
In the Airbus imagery captured on April 10, large black marks consistent with the charred remains of aircraft are visible at the eastern end of the 1,200-metre runway.
Several vehicles can also be seen positioned near the end of the airstrip.
The location has been identified in central Esfahan province, approximately 50 kilometres south of Esfahan city.
Videos released by Iranian state media shortly after the operation, which were geolocated to this specific site, previously showed smouldering wreckage on the runway.
Special operations transport destroyed
The airstrip served as the extraction point for a high-stakes commando mission.
Two MC-130J special operations transport aircraft had been stationed at the remote facility to fly the rescue team and the recovered airman out of Iranian territory.
However, the transport planes sustained damage during the course of the operation.
This complication forced US forces to intentionally destroy the aircraft to prevent sensitive technology and equipment from being captured by Iranian forces.
Aftermath of the daring rescue
The destruction of the two transport planes marks a significant postscript to the mission, which successfully recovered the officer following the loss of the F-15E Strike Eagle.
The presence of several cars in the latest satellite photos suggests ongoing activity or investigation at the site by local authorities following the departure of the US rescue team.
The site remains a clear visual record of the intense military confrontation within the province.
