US Rescues Downed F-15 Pilot in ‘Daring’ Operation, Says Trump

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, April 5, 2026: The United States has successfully rescued a fighter jet crew member who went missing after Iran shot down an F-15E aircraft, with President Donald Trump describing the mission as one of the most “daring” search-and-rescue operations in US history.

The airman, who had been stranded behind enemy lines for nearly two days, sustained injuries but is expected to recover, Trump said.

According to the President, the high-risk operation involved multiple aircraft and continuous monitoring of the pilot’s location before a successful extraction was carried out.

The F-15E fighter jet, carrying two crew members, was shot down by Iran on Friday amid escalating tensions. One crew member was rescued shortly after the incident, while the second remained missing until the latest operation.

US special operations forces, backed by extensive air support, carried out the rescue mission in hostile terrain inside Iran, officials said.

Trump said the US had delayed confirming the earlier rescue to avoid jeopardising the second operation, adding that both missions were completed without American casualties.

The downing of the aircraft marks the first confirmed combat loss of a US crewed fighter jet in the ongoing conflict with Iran, underscoring rising military tensions in the region.