Donald Trump said on Sunday that US forces had rescued a second airman downed in Iran, describing the operation as one of the most daring search-and-rescue missions in American military history.
“We got him,” Trump said, adding, “Over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in US History.”
The airman, a weapons systems officer aboard a F-15E Strike Eagle, was recovered by US special operations forces after evading capture for more than a day in mountainous terrain, officials said. He was reported injured but in stable condition.
“He sustained injuries, but he will be just fine,” Trump said.
The rescue follows the earlier recovery of the jet’s pilot, completing a rare double extraction from deep inside hostile territory during the ongoing US-Iran conflict, now in its sixth week.
US officials said the latest mission involved dozens of aircraft and encountered heavy resistance from Iranian forces. At least one US aircraft had to be destroyed after a malfunction to prevent it from falling into Iranian hands. Earlier operations also saw two Black Hawk helicopters hit by Iranian fire, while an A-10 Thunderbolt II was downed in a separate incident, its pilot ejecting safely.
“This is the first time in military memory that two US pilots have been rescued, separately, deep in enemy territory,” Trump said, adding: “WE WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AMERICAN WARFIGHTER BEHIND!”
Iran, however, disputed the success of the operation. Military spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari claimed the rescue attempt had been “completely foiled” and said multiple US aircraft were destroyed during the mission, according to state media.
The incident underscores the intensity of the conflict, which began on February 28 and has since spread across the Middle East. According to US Central Command, at least 13 American service members have been killed and more than 300 wounded.
The developments come amid escalating rhetoric from Trump, who has warned Iran to reach a deal within 48 hours or face further military action.
“We have achieved overwhelming Air Dominance and Superiority over the Iranian skies,” Trump said.
He has also suggested targeting key energy routes, including the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of global oil passes.