US President Donald Trump said that American forces had safely recovered a second airman downed in Iran, calling it “one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. history”.
“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 U.S. 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 his Truth Social platform.
US strikes killed at least five people overnight in Iran’s southwest during the rescue of the missing US crewmember, Iranian media said on Sunday. The incident occurred in the Kouh-e Siah area in southwestern Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, the Tasnim news agency said, citing an official.
He said the killings took place while the US was trying to find “the pilot or pilots” of the downed fighter jet.
Iran and the United States had been racing since Friday to locate a second crew member of an F-15E before US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the officer had been recovered.
Iran’s military also said it destroyed three US aircraft involved in the search operation, including two Black Hawk helicopters and one C-130 military transport aircraft.
State media shared images of charred wreckage scattered across a desert area, with smoke still emanating from the site.
Iran also launched missiles and drones at Israel and Kuwait early on Sunday, and a day after Trump said the Islamic Republic had 48 hours to cut a deal or face “all Hell”.
