The second US airman from a downed F-15E Strike Eagle has been successfully rescued from داخل Iranian territory after a high-risk operation involving airstrikes and a firefight, marking one of the most complex recovery missions in recent US military history.
Donald Trump confirmed the development, stating that the missing crew member is now “safe and sound” following what he described as a “daring” and unprecedented rescue operation. The officer, a colonel and weapons systems specialist, had gone missing after the jet was shot down by Iranian air defences, while the pilot had been recovered earlier.
For nearly two days, the airman managed to evade Iranian forces in difficult mountainous terrain. His survival depended on staying hidden while maintaining limited communication with US forces using tracking and signalling equipment. Iranian authorities were actively searching for him and had reportedly announced a monetary reward for his capture, increasing the urgency of the mission.
According to US officials, the rescue operation was launched after locating the officer overnight. The mission involved the deployment of multiple aircraft and special operations units, supported by continuous surveillance and planning. As the extraction team moved in, the situation escalated into a firefight, with both the rescue forces and the stranded airman exposed to active hostilities.
Despite the intense conditions, US forces were able to secure the officer and evacuate him safely. He sustained injuries during the ordeal but is expected to recover.
The operation unfolded against the backdrop of rising tensions between the US and Iran. Alongside announcing the rescue, Trump reiterated his warning to Tehran, demanding that it reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face severe consequences. Iranian officials responded with counter-threats, signalling that further escalation could follow.
The incident highlights both the risks faced by military personnel operating in hostile environments and the strategic importance the US places on recovering its forces, even under extreme circumstances.
