Former President Donald Trump commended the successful Search and Rescue Operation carried out by the United States Military, labeling it as one of the most audacious in the nation’s history. The operation was in response to Iran shooting down an F15-E Strike Eagle fighter jet, resulting in the rescue of one service member. Efforts were then concentrated on locating and rescuing the second missing crew member, who has now been confirmed rescued but is not yet out of danger. The rescue team must safely extract from Iran to ensure their return to safety.
Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell noted that the last instance of a U.S. warplane being downed by enemy fire in combat was an A-10 Thunderbolt II during the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq.
Trump expressed his admiration for the rescued crew member, hailing them as a “Brave Warrior” who operated behind enemy lines in the challenging terrain of Iran. He shared the news on Truth Social, emphasizing the meticulous planning and execution of the rescue operation. Trump highlighted the injured status of the rescued officer but assured the public of their recovery.
The former President underscored the significance of rescuing two U.S. pilots separately from enemy territory, emphasizing the commitment to never leave American warfighters behind. Trump celebrated the successful operations without any American casualties, showcasing U.S. air dominance over Iranian airspace. He called for national unity and pride in the professionalism and effectiveness of the U.S. military, concluding with patriotic blessings and well wishes.
Trump’s statements on Truth Social regarding the ‘termination’ of several Iranian military leaders and the shared footage of an airstrike targeting top IRGC commanders preceded his acknowledgment of the successful rescue operations.
