President Donald J. Trump today confirmed that both crew members of a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet, shot down over western Iran on Friday, April 3, have been safely rescued by American forces in a daring operation deep inside hostile territory.
In a statement posted on Truth Social early Sunday morning, President Trump declared: “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! He sustained injuries, but he will be just fine.
This miraculous Search and Rescue Operation comes in addition to a successful rescue of another brave Pilot yesterday, which we did not confirm because we did not want to jeopardize our second rescue operation. This is the first time in military memory that two U.S. Pilots have been rescued, separately, deep in Enemy Territory. WE WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AMERICAN WARFIGHTER BEHIND!”
The two airmen ejected from their aircraft after it was struck by Iranian forces. The pilot was recovered shortly after the incident. The second crew member, the weapons systems officer, evaded capture for nearly 48 hours in the treacherous mountains of western Iran while being actively hunted by enemy forces.
U.S. Special Operations forces, supported by extensive air assets and intelligence, executed a high-risk nighttime extraction that brought both service members home safely. No American personnel were killed or wounded during either rescue mission.
President Trump praised the bravery of the airmen and the extraordinary skill of the U.S. military teams involved, stating that the operation underscores America’s unmatched air dominance and ironclad commitment to its warfighters.
“The United States Military continues to demonstrate why we are the greatest fighting force in the history of the world,” the President said. “These brave heroes are back on American soil where they belong.”
The rescues come amid ongoing U.S. and allied operations in the region. Further details about the mission remain classified to protect operational security and the safety of U.S. forces.