Trump Announces Epic Rescue of Airman Downed Behind Enemy Lines [WATCH]

“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 US History, for one of our incredible Crew Member Officers, who also happens to be a highly respected Colonel, and who I am thrilled to let you know is now SAFE and SOUND!” Trump posted on Truth Social just after midnight.

The recovered airman, an Air Force weapons systems officer whose identity has not been publicly released, was one of two crew members aboard an F-15E Strike Eagle that was shot down Friday over southwestern Iran.

Both crew members ejected, triggering an immediate and high-risk rescue effort.

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A U.S. official told Axios the weapons officer sustained injuries during the ejection but remained mobile. Trump confirmed the condition of the airman in a follow-up statement.

“He sustained injuries, but he will be just fine,” Trump said.

The rescue operation unfolded Saturday night amid active combat conditions near the crash site.

According to officials briefed on the mission, the effort involved hundreds of special operations forces, dozens of aircraft and helicopters, and advanced intelligence assets spanning cyber and space capabilities.

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“The fact that we were able to pull off both of these operations, without a SINGLE American killed, or even wounded, just proves once again, that we have achieved overwhelming Air Dominance and Superiority over the Iranian skies,” Trump said.

A senior military official described the mission as one of the most challenging undertaken by U.S. special operations forces.

The downed airman evaded capture for an extended period, estimated between 15 and 24 hours, navigating mountainous terrain and using survival training to distance himself from the crash site.

He reportedly moved to higher ground, concealed his position, and signaled for rescue while Iranian forces searched the area.

During that time, Iranian authorities and local actors mobilized efforts to locate the airman, including reports of civilians being encouraged to assist in the search.

“This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour, but was never truly alone because his Commander in Chief, Secretary of War, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and fellow Warfighters were monitoring his location 24 hours a day, and diligently planning for his rescue,” Trump said.

The rescue team successfully reached the airman and extracted him from Iranian territory. He was transported to Kuwait, where he could receive medical treatment.

The broader operation occurred amid reported fighting in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province.

U.S. special operations forces and Air Force pararescue teams reportedly engaged Iranian Revolutionary Guard and Basij fighters searching for the downed crew member.

U.S. aircraft provided support during the mission, targeting Iranian convoys approaching the airman’s location, while ground forces advanced to secure the extraction site.

In a separate development during the operation, two U.S. transport aircraft sent to assist with extraction became stranded at a remote base inside Iran.

Commanders ordered the aircraft destroyed to prevent sensitive equipment from falling into enemy hands, and replacement aircraft were deployed to complete the mission.

Reports also indicated that two U.S. rescue helicopters were struck by enemy fire during the operation, injuring crew members. An A-10 attack aircraft providing cover was also hit and later went down after the pilot ejected safely.

Despite the challenges, both F-15E crew members have now been safely recovered.

“WE WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AMERICAN WARFIGHTER BEHIND!” Trump wrote.

“This is a moment that ALL Americans, Republican, Democrat, and everyone else, should be proud of and united around. We truly have the best, most professional, and lethal Military in the History of the World,” he added.

The rescue drew reaction from lawmakers, including Beth Van Duyne, who described the mission as an “Easter Miracle” in a post on X.