US President Donald Trump announced that a missing American weapons officer has been successfully rescued from Iran following what he described as one of the most daring search and rescue operations in U.S. history.
In a statement, Trump confirmed that the officer, a colonel serving aboard a F‑15E Strike Eagle, had gone missing after the aircraft was shot down over Iran.
“We got him! My fellow Americans, over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History… who I am thrilled to let you know is now safe and sound,” Trump said.
According to Trump, the officer had been behind enemy lines in mountainous terrain in Iran, while U.S. military commanders monitored his location continuously and planned the rescue operation.
He said dozens of aircraft equipped with advanced weapons were deployed to retrieve the officer, who sustained injuries but is expected to recover.
Trump also revealed that another U.S. pilot had been rescued a day earlier, but the operation had not been publicly confirmed at the time to avoid jeopardising the second rescue mission.
“This is the first time in military memory that two U.S. pilots have been rescued separately deep in enemy territory,” Trump added.
The U.S. President further claimed the operations were carried out without any American casualties and described them as evidence of U.S. air superiority over Iranian airspace. (Newswire)