US Forces Rescue Second F-15E Pilot in Iran, Trump Confirms 'Most Daring' Operation

President Donald Trump announces successful recovery of Colonel-ranked officer from hostile territory, calls it the most daring search and rescue mission in US military history amid escalating West Asia conflict.

Daring Rescue Confirmed

Washington, April 5: US President Donald Trump has confirmed the successful rescue of the second crew member from the downed US F-15E fighter jet in Iran. The operation, now in its 37th day of the West Asia war, marked a critical moment for American forces operating deep inside hostile territory.

"We got him!" Trump announced on Truth Social. He described the mission as the most daring search and rescue operation in US history. The rescued official, a Colonel-ranked officer, was extracted after approximately 36 hours in Iran's mountainous region.

How Rescue Unfolded

According to officials familiar with the operation, the injured airman had to perform a daring move to meet his rescue team. The Wall Street Journal reported that American MQ-9 Reaper UAVs fired upon Iranian forces attempting to capture the downed crew member.

Dozens of aircraft provided cover for the commando unit that swooped in to extract the airman. The New York Times reported that two transport planes carrying the rescued officer and commandos got stuck inside Iran and had to be blown up. Three additional aircraft were sent in to complete the extraction.

Background of Downed Jet

The F-15E fighter jet crashed earlier this week under circumstances that remain unclear. Iran had reportedly offered a reward for anyone who found the missing officer. The rescued crew member, a weapons officer, has been flown to Kuwait for medical treatment and is expected to recover fully.

Hundreds of special operations soldiers participated in the high-risk rescue mission, according to the New York Times.

Iran Warns of Retaliation

Iranian officials have warned of a big surprise for the United States and Israel. A security official told FARS news agency that Tehran has prepared an unexpected response. Meanwhile, five people have been killed and more than 170 injured in the latest attacks across Iran.

Former IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei called Trump a "madman" and urged Gulf countries to act after the US President's 48-hour ultimatum to Iran.

Regional Spillover Intensifies

Multiple drone strikes hit Kuwait overnight, causing significant damage to two power and water desalination plants. Bahrain's Bapco Energies reported an oil tank fire following an Iranian attack. The UAE also confirmed dealing with a missile threat.

Israel carried out air strikes on the Mahshahr Petrochemical Special Economic Zone in Iran's Khuzestan province. A projectile struck near the Bushehr nuclear power plant, killing one person.

Global Fallout Widens

Four Italian airports have imposed refuelling restrictions due to limited fuel availability. Senegal has limited foreign travel for government ministers as cost-saving measures. Satellite imaging company Planet Labs announced it will indefinitely withhold visuals of the conflict zone following Trump administration requests.

South Korean Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol has met Gulf envoys seeking assistance for energy supplies amid the Strait of Hormuz blockade.

What Next

The rescued crew member remains in recovery as tensions continue to escalate. Iran has confiscated assets of more than 100 people accused of supporting the enemy. With both sides showing no signs of de-escalation, the region braces for further confrontation. The US military has demonstrated its willingness to conduct deep-penetration rescue operations, potentially setting the stage for more direct involvement.