President Donald Trump announced Sunday that U.S. Special Operations forces successfully rescued the second crew member from an aircraft shot down over Iran, completing what he called “one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. history.”
The Daily Caller reports that the rescue operation, conducted Saturday night, retrieved a U.S. Air Force weapons officer who had been stranded behind enemy lines in Iran’s mountainous terrain for two days. The officer, reportedly a colonel according to current and former U.S. officials speaking to The New York Times, had suffered injuries but is expected to recover fully.
“WE GOT HIM! My fellow Americans, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. history,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, announcing that the officer is now “SAFE and SOUND.”
The president described how the wounded airman was “being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour” in Iran’s treacherous mountains. However, Trump emphasized that the officer “was never truly alone,” as his command team monitored his location around the clock while planning the rescue.
According to officials, the extraction involved hundreds of special operations personnel in what became a “life-or-death struggle between American and Iranian forces” to reach the downed airman. Trump said he ordered “dozens of aircraft” to participate in the complex operation.
The rescue mission concluded without any U.S. casualties among the extraction team, with all special forces and the rescued officer safely evacuated. The wounded airman was transported to Kuwait for medical treatment following the operation.
Trump revealed that the U.S. government had deliberately withheld confirmation of the first crew member’s rescue to avoid compromising this second operation. The original F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over Iran on April 4, with one crew member initially recovered.
The aircraft downing occurred amid ongoing military operations following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that began Feb. 28, marking the start of Operation Epic Fury. Iranian state media had claimed to shoot down what they described as an F-35, though images reportedly matched an F-15 aircraft.
This successful rescue demonstrates the unwavering commitment of our military to the sacred principle that no American warrior is left behind. The operation showcases the extraordinary capabilities of our special operations forces and the decisive leadership that prioritizes American lives above all else.
In an era when America’s enemies seek to test our resolve, this mission sends an unmistakable message: We will move heaven and earth to bring our heroes home. The courage displayed by both the rescued airman and the special operations personnel who risked their lives for his recovery embodies the finest traditions of American military service.
“WE WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AMERICAN WARFIGHTER BEHIND!” Trump concluded his announcement, calling on all Americans to take pride in the successful operation.
