Washington (Rajeev Sharma): US President Donald Trump on Sunday confirmed that an American pilot who had gone missing inside Iran has been successfully rescued, describing the mission as one of the most complex and daring in the country’s military history.
The pilot, a senior officer, had been stranded in hostile terrain after his aircraft was brought down during the ongoing conflict in the region. Trump stated that the serviceman was retrieved from mountainous areas and is now out of danger, despite sustaining injuries.
According to the President, the rescue operation involved extensive planning and coordination, with multiple aircraft deployed under constant surveillance. He emphasised that the mission was completed without any American casualties, highlighting it as a testament to the capabilities of US forces.
The recovery comes amid rising tensions following reports that Iranian forces had downed US military aircraft, including an F-15 fighter jet. The rescued officer is believed to have been part of that crew.
Trump also revealed that another pilot had been brought back in a separate operation earlier, a development that was kept confidential to avoid compromising ongoing efforts. He described the back-to-back rescues as unprecedented, noting that both were carried out deep within hostile territory.
Reiterating Washington’s stance, Trump said the United States remains committed to ensuring the safety of its personnel, asserting that every effort would be made to bring back soldiers from conflict zones.
There has been no immediate reaction from Iranian officials on the announcement. The situation in the region remains tense, with continued military activity and heightened geopolitical uncertainty.
