U.S. officials have confirmed that an American pilot, who went missing after an F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over Iran, has been rescued following a fierce firefight.
The airman, together with the rescue team, has now safely exited Iranian territory, concluding a high-risk search-and-rescue operation deep within hostile territory.
Two crew members had ejected from the aircraft after it was shot down by Iranian forces on Friday. One was recovered shortly after the crash, while the second remained missing, prompting an intensive manhunt in southern Iran.
Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: “WE GOT HIM!” He added that no U.S. personnel were injured or killed during what he described as a daring operation.
Trump wrote on Truth Social: “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.
I am thrilled to let you know he is now SAFE and SOUND!
This brave warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour, but was never truly alone because his Commander in Chief, Secretary of War, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and fellow warfighters were monitoring his location 24 hours a day, and diligently planning for his rescue.
He added: “This is the first time in military memory that two US pilots have been rescued, separately, deep in enemy territory.
“WE WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AMERICAN WARFIGHTER BEHIND!
“This is a moment that ALL Americans, Republican, Democrat, and everyone else, should be proud of and united around.
“We truly have the best, most professional, and lethal military in the history of the world.”
The Iranian regime had reportedly placed a $60,000 bounty on the missing pilot, urging civilians to hand him over to authorities if found.
In a further escalation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it had shot down a U.S. aircraft involved in the rescue mission, according to state media. The force said the plane was brought down in Isfahan province, around 400km from the original crash site.
Washington has not confirmed the claim.
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