“We Got Him”: Trump After US F-15 Officer Rescued From Iran

New York (IANS): President Donald Trump announced early Sunday that U.S. forces rescued the second crew member of a downed jet during a daring military operation deep inside Iranian territory.

“We got him,” Trump posted on Truth Social shortly after midnight. “I am thrilled to let you know he is now safe and sound!”

The officer, a “highly respected colonel,” served as the weapons officer on the F-15E Strike Eagle that Iran shot down on Friday. While the pilot successfully ejected and returned to safety shortly after the crash, the colonel remained missing for nearly two days.

A High-Stakes Rescue Operation

The rescue mission tested the limits of American ground and air capabilities. According to the President, the U.S. Military deployed dozens of aircraft to retrieve the officer from “treacherous mountains” behind enemy lines.

• Air Superiority: Trump emphasized that the U.S. successfully executed both rescues without a single American casualty.

• Combat Support: Reports indicate that U.S. aircraft dropped bombs on Iranian forces closing in on the colonel’s position while ground troops engaged in a firefight.

• The Risks: Iran had reportedly placed a bounty on the colonel, hoping to use him as a significant bargaining chip.

“The fact that we were able to pull off both of these operations… proves once again that we have achieved overwhelming Air Dominance and Superiority over the Iranian skies,” Trump stated.

Rising Tensions in the Region

The rescue comes amid a massive escalation of force. U.S. aircraft have intensified strikes within Iran, including the destruction of a strategic bridge leading to Tehran on Thursday.

On Saturday, Trump issued a stern ultimatum to Tehran regarding the Strait of Hormuz. “Time is running out — 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them,” he warned, demanding that Iran open the vital waterway.

Technical Details and Casualties

Despite the mission’s success, the conflict has taken a toll on hardware:

• The rescued colonel sustained injuries but is expected to recover.

• A rescue helicopter sustained damage from Iranian fire but managed to escape.

• A separate A-10 Warthog crashed near the Gulf of Hormuz on Friday; however, that pilot landed outside Iranian territory and reached safety.

This operation follows Trump’s claim just two days ago that U.S. strikes had “totally destroyed” Iran’s air defense systems. The loss of the F-15E and the A-10 suggests that, while weakened, Iranian defenses remain a threat to coalition aircraft.