One of the most daring search-and-rescue operations in U.S. history was successfully completed in the South, bringing the American pilot back alive after a fierce exchange of fire in enemy territory.
He confirmed that US forces had rescued the weapons systems officer, posting on social media: “We got him!” The US president praised the operation, which managed to remove the airman from enemy territory in southern Iran.
The officer was injured but is now safely outside Iran, according to US officials. Earlier, a source told Al Jazeera that the operation involved “heavy exchange of fire”.
According to Trump, dozens of aircraft were involved in the rescue mission of the man, who holds the rank of colonel. The development comes after reports of airstrikes overnight in Ntechdast, near where the plane was shot down.
Trump’s message
Donald Trump, in his message to Truth Social wrote: “My fellow Americans, in the last few hours, the United States military has carried out one of the most daring Search and Rescue operations in US history… for one of our incredible officers, who happens to be a highly respected Colonel, and who I am happy to report is now safe and sound. harmless!”.
“This brave warrior was behind enemy lines, in the treacherous mountains of Iran, pursued by our enemies who were getting closer every hour, but he was never truly alone because his Commander-in-Chief, Secretary of War, Chief of the General Staff and his fellow warriors were monitoring his location 24 hours a day and diligently planning his rescue.” he added.
“Under my direction, the US Army sent dozens of aircraft, armed with the world’s deadliest weapons, to retrieve him. He’s had injuries, but he’ll be fine. “This miraculous Search and Rescue operation comes in addition to the successful rescue of another brave pilot yesterday, which we did not confirm because we did not want to jeopardize the second rescue operation,” the US President said.
“This is the first time in military memory that two American pilots have been rescued, separately, deep in enemy territory. We will never leave any American warrior behind! The fact that we were able to carry out both of these operations, without a single American being killed or even injured, proves once again that we have achieved overwhelming Air Supremacy and Supremacy in the Iranian airwaves” he emphasized and concluded:
“This is a moment that all Americans, Republicans, Democrats and everyone else, should be proud of and united about. We truly have the best, most professional and deadliest military in the history of the world. God bless America. God bless our troops and Happy Easter to all.”
The reactions of the White House
White House officials celebrate the outcome of the operation. Karoline Leavitt, the president’s spokeswoman, said: “Proud of our troops. Proud of our President. Proud to be an American.”
Proud of our troops. Proud of our President. Proud to be an American. 🇺🇸
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec)
The official White House account on X posted a photo of the American flag with the caption: “God bless our troops and God bless the United States of America.”
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS AND GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse)
