US special forces successfully rescued the second crew member of the F-15 fighter jet that was shot down over Iran, in an operation described as one of the most daring in recent years. The rescue of the American soldier was confirmed by Donald Trump in a lengthy post, emphasizing that “we will never leave any American soldier behind” and describing an operation of exceptional difficulty and precision.
Donald Trump: First time in military history two American pilots rescued separately
“My fellow Americans, in the past few hours the United States Military conducted one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History, for one of our exceptional crew officers, who is also a highly respected Colonel, and I am pleased to inform you that he is now SAFE and SOUND!
This brave warrior was behind enemy lines, in the dangerous mountains of Iran, hunted by our enemies who were getting closer and closer with each hour, but he was never truly alone, as the Chief of Staff, Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and his fellow soldiers were monitoring his location 24 hours a day and carefully planning his rescue.
Under my direct orders, the U.S. military sent dozens of aircraft, equipped with the most lethal weapons in the world, to retrieve him. He sustained injuries, but will make a full recovery.
This remarkable Search and Rescue operation follows yesterday’s successful rescue of another brave pilot, which we did not confirm at the time, so as not to endanger the second operation.
This is the first time in military history that two American pilots have been rescued, separately, deep inside enemy territory.
We will never leave any American soldier behind.
The fact that we managed to complete both of these operations without a SINGLE American death or casualty proves once again that we have achieved absolute air dominance and superiority in Iranian skies.
This is a moment that ALL Americans — Republicans, Democrats and everyone else — should feel proud and united.
We truly have the best, most professional and most powerful military in the history of the world.”
How the pilot was located – Information from Axios
Earlier, Axios reported the information, citing three American officials. The airman was the second member of the two-person crew of the American F-15 fighter jet, which Iran claimed was shot down on Friday by its air defense system. Reuters had reported that the first crew member had already been rescued.
According to Axios, the first pilot was located and rescued within hours, while the second crew member required more than a day of intensive searches.
The operation inside Iran and Revolutionary Guards’ response
US special forces deployed on Iranian territory on Friday and returned on Saturday, as part of the search and rescue operation. The second crew member was located on Saturday, when the extraction operation began, just as Iranian Revolutionary Guards also mobilized in the area, attempting to prevent the rescue.
Trump’s ultimatum to Iran over Strait of Hormuz
Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, demanding either an agreement or reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. “Time is running out – 48 hours before hell breaks loose on them,” he characteristically stated in a post, reminding that a previous 10-day ultimatum had already been given to Tehran.
Conflict continues – Strike on Bushehr nuclear plant
The war that began with the American-Israeli attack on February 28 is now in its 36th day. Earlier, the Bushehr nuclear plant, Iran’s only operational facility, was bombed. According to the Irna agency, one guard was killed, with no reports of material damage or increased radiation.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, expressed “deep concern,” emphasizing that such facilities should never be targeted. Meanwhile, Russia announced the evacuation of approximately 200 Rosatom workers from the area, minutes after the attack.
