JUST IN: President Trump says the “United States military pulled off one of the most daring search and rescue operations in US history.” “WE GOT HIM”
Washington, D.C. – April 5, 2026 | Reflecto News
President Donald Trump has proudly announced the successful conclusion of the high-risk combat search and rescue (CSAR) mission for the crew of the downed F-15E Strike Eagle, declaring that the U.S. military executed “one of the most daring search and rescue operations in U.S. history.”
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump declared: “WE GOT HIM!” He added that both crew members — including a highly respected Colonel — are now “SAFE and SOUND” after being recovered from behind enemy lines in Iran.
Trump’s Statement
“My fellow Americans, over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History, for one of our incredible Crew Member Officers, who also happens to be a highly respected Colonel, and who I am thrilled to let you know is now SAFE and SOUND!”
Trump emphasized that U.S. forces monitored the second crew member’s location around the clock while he was being hunted in treacherous terrain, ultimately extracting him despite intense opposition.
The Dramatic Rescue Operation
The mission, which spanned several days, involved:
- Low-altitude flights by HC-130J Combat King II aircraft deep inside Iran.
- Mid-air refueling of HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters over hostile territory.
- A fierce ground battle between U.S. Special Forces and IRGC units, described as a “nightmare scenario” shootout.
- U.S. Air Force airstrikes called in to neutralize advancing Iranian forces attempting to reach the second pilot.
Despite these extraordinary risks — including Iranian claims of striking a rescue helicopter and a reported bounty for the pilots — both crew members were successfully recovered and are receiving medical care.
Israel had reportedly canceled planned strikes to avoid disrupting the operation, underscoring the priority given to bringing the airmen home.
Context in Operation Epic Fury
The rescue caps a tense chapter in the sixth week of the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran:
- The F-15E was the first major U.S. combat aircraft lost in the conflict.
- Recent U.S. strikes have targeted Tehran (with reports of over 50 senior Iranian officials killed), petrochemical facilities, and other infrastructure.
- Iran has responded with ballistic missiles, drone attacks (including on Kuwaiti power and desalination plants), and claims of resilience, including the mobilization of millions of volunteers.
- Ceasefire efforts remain stalled, with Iran rejecting the U.S. 15-point peace proposal.
- The transatlantic alliance shows signs of strain, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, while former IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei has urged intervention to prevent further escalation.
President Trump has consistently framed the military pressure — including the daring rescue — as leverage to force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and accept a comprehensive deal.
Reflecto News will continue monitoring official Pentagon briefings, reactions from Tehran, any Iranian retaliation, and the broader impact on diplomatic efforts or the US-Europe alliance. The successful recovery of both pilots is a significant morale boost for U.S. forces amid an increasingly complex and dangerous conflict.
By Reflecto News Desk
Sources: Truth Social (President Donald Trump), Axios, Fox News, CBS News, Reuters, U.S. Department of Defense statements, and Iranian state-affiliated media.