A second US crew member who was missing in Iran after an American F-15 fighter jet was shot down has been rescued.
Posting to social media, US President Donald Trump said the rescued weapons systems officer had sustained injuries but would be just fine, describing the rescue as one of the most daring search and rescue operations in US history.
Following the downing of the aircraft on Friday, both the pilot and crew member ejected - with the pilot recovered shortly afterwards.
Subsequently, both the US and Iran scrambled to locate the missing crew member in a mountainous region of southwestern Iran.
The search presented a serious test for the US, with the possibility of a prisoner of war situation if Iran found the missing airman - which could have involved him being used as propaganda material.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly launched its own search for the missing American, using troops and locals, and offering a reward to capture him alive.
Videos circulated on social media, showing hundreds of individuals heading to the mountainous area to assist in the search.
Trump confirmed the successful mission soon after on Truth Social, stating, WE GOT HIM! and adding that the crew member was a respected colonel.
The US rescue effort involved numerous aircraft and is described as a significant operation by sources, with reports of engagement between US and Iranian forces during the mission.
Videos also document the tense encounters during the operation, with the IRGC claiming casualties among its troops while the US aimed to secure the recovery of its personnel amidst escalating regional military tensions.
As the rescue unfolded, fighting continued in the area, with authorities in Abu Dhabi battling fires caused by debris from Iranian missiles, further complicating an already volatile situation.
