The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has confirmed the successful rescue of the second airman from a downed F-15 fighter jet in Iran.
In what appeared a dramatic details to emerge, the missing airman reportedly evaded capture for hours in mountainous terrain before being located and extracted by the U.S. forces amid clashes with Iranian troops.
Trump described the rescue operation as one of the most audacious military recoveries in recent history.
The announcement which was made via his Truth Social platform, came after an intense, high-risk search-and-rescue mission deep inside hostile territory, following the aircraft’s downing during the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict.
Trump said; “This is one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. history”.
The U.S. President praised the military effort that led to the airman’s recovery.
According to reports, the rescued airman was part of a two-person crew aboard an F-15E Strike Eagle that was shot down by Iranian forces.
The first crew member had earlier been recovered while the second had remained missing, triggering a frantic multinational search effort.
Trump also highlighted the scale and intensity of the mission to rescue the second airman, saying that multiple aircraft and rescue teams were deployed under extremely dangerous conditions.
Trump, who revealed that the mission involved dozens of aircraft and complex coordination, commended the courage of the U.S. forces.
It was also gathered that the operation to rescue the second airman included U.S. helicopters and special forces navigating difficult terrain while coming under enemy fire.
However, despite the risks, both crew members were eventually recovered alive, though injured.
The successful rescue marked a major turning point in the unfolding crisis and brings relief after fears that the second airman could have been captured or killed.
The incident has however, further escalated tensions between Washington and Tehran, with Trump coupling the rescue announcement with renewed warnings to Iran over the broader conflict.
“Time is running out… 48 hours before all Hell will reign,” Trump warned in a separate Truth Social post directed at Tehran.
Military officials say the operation underscores both the risks facing U.S. personnel in the region and the strategic importance Washington places on recovering its servicemen, even under extreme conditions.
With both airmen successfully accounted for, attention is now shifting to the wider implications of the incident, as the conflict continues to intensify across the Middle East.
