What did US troops destroy in Iran? No evidence left behind during pilot's rescue, claims Donald Trump

Tehran: The United States has paid a heavy price for the rescue mission of its pilot who went down in Iran. New images of this mission have surfaced, revealing destroyed Special Operations C-130 (MC-130Js Commando IIs) aircraft at a temporary forward airfield in Iran.

Additionally, the wreckage of two burnt-out MH-6/AH-6 "Little Bird" helicopters is visible. These helicopters were operated by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, famously known as the "Night Stalkers." According to reports, this temporary forward airfield served as a hub—specifically a Forward Arming and Refueling Point—for the mission to rescue a downed F-15E Weapon Systems Officer.

Why Were AH-6 Helicopters Deployed?

According to reports, these helicopters—configured as AH-6 gunships—were dispatched to the landing site to provide Close Air Support and aerial security to the U.S. Special Operations Commandos deployed there. Reports suggest that, contrary to Iran's claims, there may not have been any ground fire exchanged at the location. Iran asserts that it opened fire on the US forward airfield, destroying several American aircraft and helicopters in the process. However, upon examining the images, the US position appears more credible. The US maintains that it destroyed the aircraft itself after determining they were unable to take flight.

Why are AH-6 Helicopters Part of US Special Operations?

AH-6 helicopters are deployed in such rescue missions to provide security for Special Forces personnel. The crews of the Night Stalkers' AH-6s are highly trained and fully prepared for operations of this nature. Furthermore, "Little Bird" helicopters can be rapidly transported to forward locations by being loaded onto relatively smaller transport aircraft, such as the C-130. The most significant feature of these helicopters is that they can be readied for takeoff within just a few minutes of being unloaded from an aircraft. For this very reason, AH-6 helicopters are specifically deployed to provide close air support and air cover within enemy territory.

What is the role of MC-130 in US Air Force?

C-130 or MC-130 aircraft serve as transport carriers for the "Little Bird" helicopters. In addition to transporting their weaponry, these aircraft also function as aerial refueling stations. The Little Bird helicopters can be deployed with remarkable speed to almost any location. It is speculated that these helicopters may have flown directly from an existing nearby U.S. base; subsequently, after refueling from a pre-positioned MC-130J, they likely operated out of that temporary base. However, their operational flight range is limited.