U.S. Rescues Second Crew Member After Iran Downs F-15 Fighter Jet

WASHINGTON, April 5: U.S. forces have successfully rescued the second crew member of an F-15E fighter jet shot down by Iran, ending a high-risk search-and-rescue operation that began after the aircraft was downed on Friday, according to U.S. officials speaking on condition of anonymity ahead of a formal announcement. The crew member had been missing for more than a day following the incident, while another crew member was rescued earlier. Both airmen are now reported safe after the intensive recovery mission carried out in hostile territory.

Also, the U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that a second U.S. pilot has been rescued, describing it as “one of the most daring search-and-rescue operations in U.S. history.” He said the crew member, a colonel, is now “safe and sound,” adding that he had been “hunted down by enemies” before recovery.

Trump stated that the U.S. military deployed “dozens of aircraft armed with the most lethal weapons in the world” to retrieve the pilot. He added that although the officer sustained injuries, he is expected to recover fully, saying he “will be just fine.”

The President also confirmed that another pilot was successfully rescued earlier. He said both operations were completed without any American casualties, calling it proof of “overwhelming air dominance and superiority over Iranian skies.”