The second crew member of a US fighter jet shot down over Iran has been successfully rescued and exfiltrated, according to US President Donald Trump.
🇺🇸 High-Risk Rescue Operation
Confirming the development, Trump said the US military had carried out “one of the most daring search and rescue operations in US history,” adding that the rescued airman is now “safe and sound.”
The fighter jet, identified as an F-15E Strike Eagle, was downed on Friday. The aircraft typically operates with a two-member crew.
🔍 Airman Evaded Capture for Two Days
According to US officials cited in reports, the second crew member managed to evade Iranian forces for nearly two days after the crash.
The rescue mission reportedly involved a heavy firefight, with US forces deploying multiple aircraft to extract the airman from hostile territory.
Earlier, officials had indicated that while the airman had been located, the operation to safely extract him from Iran was still ongoing.
🪖 Both Crew Members Now Accounted For
The first crew member had already been rescued earlier, and with the second airman now recovered, both personnel from the downed jet are accounted for.
Trump revealed that the rescued officer is a senior and highly respected Colonel, who sustained injuries but is expected to recover.
💬 ‘We Will Never Leave Our Warfighters Behind’
Emphasising US military commitment, Trump stated that the operation was conducted under his direct orders, involving dozens of aircraft equipped with advanced weaponry.
He reiterated a long-standing US military principle, saying:
“We will never leave an American warfighter behind.”
🌍 Context: Rising US-Iran Tensions
The incident comes amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran, with ongoing military exchanges and heightened conflict across the region.
The successful rescue highlights both the risks faced by military personnel in hostile zones and the complexity of cross-border rescue missions.