The airman, a weapons systems officer aboard a downed F-15E fighter jet, had been missing for nearly two days after ejecting over hostile territory, triggering an intense search-and-rescue mission.
Trump announced the recovery in a statement, saying: “WE GOT HIM!” and describing the operation as one of the most daring in U.S. military history.
U.S. officials said the airman was located in mountainous terrain inside Iran, where he had been evading capture as Iranian forces and militias searched the area. He sustained injuries but is expected to recover.
The rescue operation involved dozens of aircraft and elite special operations forces, with heavy air support deployed to secure the extraction.
The incident began when an F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down during ongoing hostilities. One crew member was recovered shortly after ejection, while the second remained missing until the overnight mission successfully brought him out.
U.S. officials say all personnel involved in the rescue have returned safely, despite reports of hostile fire during the operation.
The dramatic recovery closes a tense chapter that had raised fears the missing airman could be captured, potentially escalating tensions further in the already intensifying conflict between the United States and Iran.
