US Saves Second Crew Member Downed In Iran, According to Trump

U.S. Military Rescues Plane Crew Member from Iran

President Donald Trump, along with various U.S. officials, revealed that a second crew member has been rescued from a plane that was shot down over Iran.

Trump took to Truth Social on Sunday to announce the mission’s success, detailing how a U.S. Air Force officer, identified as a weapons officer, was rescued during a daring operation by U.S. special forces deep in enemy territory.

“We captured him! My fellow Americans, the U.S. military successfully executed one of the most audacious search and rescue missions in our history. He is now safe!” Trump shared.

“Although this brave warrior found himself in perilous mountains in Iran, surrounded by an advancing enemy, he was supported by the Commander-in-Chief, the Secretary of the Army, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his fellow soldiers who maintained constant surveillance and meticulously planned his extraction,” he added.

Trump indicated that he had dispatched “dozens of aircraft” for the rescue, mentioning that the officer sustained injuries but is anticipated to recover. He also noted that the U.S. did not confirm whether other crew members were rescued to avoid compromising further operations.

The officer’s extraction followed a tense two-day standoff between American and Iranian forces, according to officials. Reports suggest that a large-scale operation, involving hundreds of special operations personnel, led to the recovery of the airman. Fortunately, there were no U.S. military casualties during the operation, and all involved personnel returned safely. The extracted officers were transported to Kuwait for medical treatment.

On April 4, the F-15E Strike Eagle was reported to have been shot down, and initial reports confirmed the recovery of one crew member. Iranian state media claimed that the aircraft was an F-35, and images appeared to match an F-15, according to Axios. This incident marked a significant escalation as the U.S. and Israel conducted their first strikes on Iran on February 28, initiating Operation Epic Fury.