Israeli leaders hail US rescue mission which recovered downed F-15E aviator, amid reports of Israeli involvement.
By World Israel News Staff
A United States Air Force aviator rescued from Iran in a daring ground operation by special forces units is in serious condition, President Donald Trump announced on Sunday, hours after he revealed that the service member had been recovered.
On Friday, a USAF F-15E air superiority fighter was shot down over western Iran.
While the pilot was recovered within hours, the weapons systems officer (WSO) was missing for roughly 36 hours, and had to evade regime forces attempting to capture him.
The WSO, a colonel, suffered serious injuries, Trump wrote in a post to his Truth Social account, touting the success of the rescue operation that lasted over seven hours, including “in broad daylight.”
“We have rescued the seriously wounded, and really brave, F-15 Crew Member/Officer, from deep inside the mountains of Iran,” Trump wrote.
“The Iranian Military was looking hard, in big numbers, and getting close. He is a highly respected Colonel. This type of raid is seldom attempted because of the danger to ‘man and equipment.’ It just doesn’t happen!”
“The second raid came after the first one, where we rescued the pilot in broad daylight, also unusual, spending seven hours over Iran. An AMAZING show of bravery and talent by all!”
Israel’s prime minister and defense minister both offered their congratulations on the successful rescue mission, amid reports that Israeli commando units were involved.
“Congratulations President Trump!,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a statement.
“All Israelis rejoice in the incredible rescue of a brave American pilot by America’s dauntless warriors. This proves that when free societies muster their courage and their resolve, they can confront seemingly insurmountable odds and overcome the forces of darkness and terror.”
The prime minister compared the operation to the IDF’s raid on Entebbe in 1976 to rescue Israeli hostages, during which Netanyahu’s brother, Yonatan, was killed.
“As a nation that repeatedly carried out daring rescue operations, and as someone who was wounded in such a mission and lost a brother in the Entebbe rescue, Israelis and I, we know what a bold decision you took.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz also offered his congratulations in a statement issued on Sunday.
“I congratulate our American partners on the safe rescue of the American aircrew members. This is another expression of the close cooperation between Israel and the United States, even in the most complex moments,” Katz said.