Two Planes Destroyed by U.S. During Rescue Operation

Two U.S. Special Operations aircraft were blown up on the ground during the rescue mission of the second American aviator in Iran, a person familiar with the mission said.

MC-130Js are specially equipped planes that are used to carry out covert infiltrations and to remove troops from beyond enemy lines. The official didn't explain how the aircraft appeared to have gotten stuck during the course of the rescue operation, but said that it became necessary to destroy them.