Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Apr 5: President Donald Trump announced the successful rescue of the second crew member of a F-15E fighter jet shot down over Iran, calling it one of the most daring search-and-rescue missions in recent military history.

“WE GOT HIM!” Trump posted on Truth Social early Sunday, confirming the missing airman had been recovered after intensive operations deep inside Iranian territory. Fox News reported that U.S. forces located and evacuated the weapons systems officer who had been downed since Friday, following the ejection of both crew members during a combat mission. One pilot had already been rescued earlier.

Trump described the airman as being “behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies,” but now “SAFE and SOUND.” He added the officer “sustained injuries, but he will be just fine.”

The mission involved dozens of aircraft and special operations forces navigating hostile, mountainous terrain. While the Pentagon has not released full details, officials confirmed all personnel are now safely out of Iranian airspace. Two U.S. Special Operations aircraft were destroyed on the ground during the operation after becoming unusable, according to sources.

Trump emphasized the unprecedented nature of the rescue: “This is the first time in military memory that two U.S. Pilots have been rescued, separately, deep in Enemy Territory… WE WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AMERICAN WARFIGHTER BEHIND!” He also claimed the operations demonstrated U.S. “overwhelming Air Dominance and Superiority over the Iranian skies,” noting that no Americans were killed or wounded.

The incident comes amid escalating tensions between United States and Iran. Trump has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning of severe consequences if the demand is not met.

The F-15E Strike Eagle, a two-seat combat aircraft, is designed for both air-to-ground and air-to-air missions, and its crew are trained for high-risk combat scenarios.