In a remarkable turn of events, President Trump lauded the exceptional rescue of a missing weapons officer from an F-15E Strike Eagle, which had been shot down by Iran last week, calling the operation an “Easter Miracle.” The daring rescue captivated the nation as it unfolded deep within hostile territory.
The mission, executed by US forces, was fraught with risk as they ventured into southwestern Iran, navigating intense combat near the crash site to safely retrieve the officer. Remarkably, the operation concluded without any casualties, a testament to the meticulous planning and execution by the military team.
President Trump shared his admiration for the mission’s success in a message to NBC’s Kristen Welker on Sunday, stating, “The enemy was large and violent. The rescuers were brilliant, strong, decisive, and as cool as anyone can be.” Trump’s message underscored the daring nature of the mission, adding, “The Iranians thought they had him, but it wasn’t even close.”
He further praised the military’s unparalleled capabilities, noting, “Such a rescue has never happened before in so violent an enemy territory. It is usually not done because it is considered not doable. Such a great military – Like no other. Happy Easter!”
This operation followed the successful extraction of the second crew member earlier in the week, who, despite being wounded, was able to walk and maintain contact with US forces after the aircraft went down over Iranian soil.
US forces had remained in contact with the two crew members after they were shot down over Iranian territory. The second crew member had been wounded but was able to walk.
Rescuing him was complex with dozens of warplanes and helicopters as well as hundreds of special operations troops.
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Trump is expected to brief the public on the operation Monday during a press conference.
“The fact that we were able to pull off both of these operations, without a SINGLE American killed, or even wounded, just proves once again, that we have achieved overwhelming Air Dominance and Superiority over the Iranian skies,” Trump posted on Truth Social late Saturday.
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Iran denied claims that the mission was successful, suggesting that it was a failure similar to the infamous 1980 Operation Eagle Claw, the failed attempt to rescue the hostages that resulted in eight service members getting killed.
The regime is believed to have shot down the fighter jet near Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, which is close to Iraq on Friday. The Iranian government dangled a $60,000 reward for the crew members’ capture.
Questions have swirled over Iran’s ability to shoot down an advanced US fighter jet given the destruction caused to its missile stockpile since the Operation Epic Fury attacks began on Feb. 28.
The Friday attack from Iran marked the first time a US fighter jet was taken down by enemy fire since the start of the war. A second US military aircraft, an A-10 attack plane was also downed by Iran, though the pilot was able to get into Kuwaiti airspace before ejecting.
