The US president has said the military “pulled off one of the most daring” operations in history
Both crew members of the US F-15E Strike Eagle shot down over Iran on Friday have been rescued, President Donald Trump has announced.
The aircraft was shot down during a combat mission over Iran’s southwestern Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province; officials had until then remained tight-lipped about rescue efforts. According to US media, one crew member was recovered shortly after the incident, while the search for the weapons systems officer continued throughout Sunday.
“WE GOT HIM! My fellow Americans, over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring search and rescue operations in US history for one of our incredible crew member officers, who also happens to be a highly respected colonel, and who I am thrilled to let you know is now SAFE and SOUND!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, confirming reports that the second crew member had finally been found.
Trump said the crew member was hiding “in the treacherous mountains of Iran” while “being hunted down by our enemies.”
“At my direction, the US military sent dozens of aircraft, armed with the most lethal weapons in the world, to retrieve him. He sustained injuries, but he will be just fine,” he added.
“This is the first time in military memory that two US pilots have been rescued separately deep in enemy territory.”
Earlier on Sunday, Iranian media reported heavy fighting between US commandos and Iran’s Basij paramilitary force in the area where the crew member was believed to be hiding. Iranian officials announced a reward for his capture, while civilians reportedly rushed to help locate him.
In a separate incident on Friday, a US A-10 Thunderbolt II fighter jet was hit by Iranian fire. The pilot ejected after the plane left Iranian airspace, and was also rescued.
