FIle photo of U.S. President Donald Trump. In a statement, the U.S. President said “Over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History” by rescuing the U.S. airman caught behind enemy lines.
| Photo Credit: AP
The United States rescued an airman caught behind enemy lines after Iran shot down his F-15 fighter jet, the government said early on Sunday (April 5, 2026), resolving a major crisis for President Donald Trump with the war on Iran in its sixth week.
The announcement came as Iran launched missiles and drones at Israel and Kuwait early on Sunday (April 5), and a day after Mr. Trump said the Islamic republic had 48 hours to cut a deal or face “all Hell”.
“Over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History,” according to a statement from Mr. Trump posted by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on X.
“This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies,” Mr. Trump said on Truth Social.
“He sustained injuries, but he will be just fine.
“This miraculous Search and Rescue Operation comes in addition to a successful rescue of another brave Pilot, yesterday, which we did not confirm, because we did not want to jeopardize our second rescue operation.”
Mr. Trump said the crew member was injured but “he will be just fine.”
The airman was the second member of a two-person crew of an F-15 that Iran said on Friday was brought down by its air defenses. Reuters reported on Friday that the first member of the crew had been recovered, triggering a high-profile search for remaining airman by both Iran and the United States.
Published – April 05, 2026 10:14 am IST
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