$100 Million Aircraft Sacrificed: Why US Blew Up Its Own Planes Deep Inside Iran

When the team of SEAL 6, a special unit of American forces, orchestrated the covert mission of eliminating the world’s most wanted man, Osama bin Laden, in Pakistan, it came under heavy aerial attack. The Black Hawk, often called the stealth helicopter designed for daring missions, was blown by the American fighters before leaving the Pakistani soil with the body of the terrorist who staged the deadly 9/11 attack on the US. The same procedure was reportedly followed by the US SEAL 6 fighters in Iran during a recent daring rescue operation of a US airman.

According to a report by the New York Times, the USD 100 million helicopter was blown by the SEAL 6 team after securing the lost US airman who spent nearly 36 hours in the tough terrains of the Iranian mountains.

Why did US SEAL 6 blow up its own helicopters?

Soon after taking out the colonel rank airmen, the rescue force was pulled out in stages. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, US troops destroyed the disabled MC‑130s and four additional helicopters inside Iran rather than risk leaving sensitive equipment behind.

ALSO READ: US F-15 Airman's 3-Word Message Sparked Trump's Iran Trap Fear; What Made It So Unusual?

The US blew up two transport planes it was forced to leave behind because of the mishap, an official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the covert mission, told news agency AP. Usually, the special helicopters are customised to carry out covert operations which require special technology. In the event of any malfunction during operations, the forces fear that the equipment could expose sensitive technologies and target-related documents to other nations. This is the primary reason they destroy all necessary items.

What’s happened during the covert mission in Iran?

The American rescue mission ran into major challenges behind enemy lines. Iran’s joint military command claimed it struck two US Black Hawk helicopters taking part in the operation. A person familiar with the situation said the two helicopters were able to navigate to safe airspace, although it’s unclear if they landed or if crew members were injured. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive information.

ALSO READ: American Pilot Defies Death In Iran: How SEAL Team 6 That Killed Osama bin Laden Rescued US Airman In Daring Mission

Then, the US military was forced to bring in additional aircraft to complete the rescue of the second service member due to a technical malfunction, according to a regional intelligence official briefed on the mission.

Notably, it is a very common practice in the US to destroy its equipment before leaving the site. The exit of US forces from Afghanistan is a rare example where it left the lethal weapons and tanks before taking a dramatic exit from the region.

(With inputs from agencies)