President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that a second US crew member from a downed F-15E Strike Eagle in Iran has been successfully recovered. This rescue operation was described as one of the most daring in American military history. The missing crew member was located and rescued after intense fighting in hostile terrain, as reported earlier by Al Jazeera.
The F-15E Strike Eagle was carrying two personnel, a pilot, and a weapons systems officer. While one crew member was rescued shortly after the incident, the second crew member remained missing, leading to a complex and high-stakes recovery effort. Trump shared the news on his social media platform, Truth Social, expressing relief that the crew member, a highly respected Colonel, is now safe.
Trump detailed the operation, highlighting the bravery of the rescued crew member who was behind enemy lines in Iran’s treacherous mountains. The rescue mission involved a significant deployment of American military assets, with dozens of aircraft armed with lethal weapons sent to retrieve the crew member. The rescued officer sustained injuries but is expected to recover fully.
The President emphasized the significance of the successful rescue missions, noting that this was the first time in military memory that two US pilots were rescued separately from deep within enemy territory. Trump praised the US military’s air dominance and superiority over Iranian skies, underscoring the importance of never leaving American warfighters behind.
Describing the operation as a moment of national unity, Trump called on all Americans to be proud and united. He lauded the professionalism and effectiveness of the US military, stating that the successful operations without any American casualties demonstrate the country’s military strength. Iranian media reports indicated that the F-15E aircraft was targeted over central Iran and is believed to have crashed in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province.
