The elite Delta Force of the US Army and the SEAL units of the US Navy participated in the rescue operation for the second pilot of the American fighter jet shot down by Iran, CNN reports, citing a source familiar with the situation.

According to the source, they were among hundreds of special operations personnel, as well as US military and intelligence personnel, who participated in the preparation of the mission, the rescue operation, and the evacuation of this US Air Force colonel from Iranian territory.

As CNN previously reported by the, the wounded pilot was rescued after two days of risky search. His F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet was shot down on Friday during a night mission in southwestern Iran. The first pilot was found and evacuated from Iran on Friday.

The source said the fighter jet belonged to the US Air Force's 48th Fighter Wing, which is based in Lakenheath air base in the UK, and is deployed to the Middle East. CNN said senior officials described this search and rescue operation as one of the most difficult combat missions due to the terrain and hostile environment.