New York, April 5 (NationPress) President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that a military operation successfully rescued the second crew member of a US aircraft shot down by Iran.

In a post on Truth Social shortly after midnight, Trump exclaimed, “We got him” and expressed his excitement, stating the officer is now safe and sound.

The rescued individual, identified by Trump as a highly respected colonel, was aboard the F-15E Strike Eagle that was downed on Friday during a mission over Iranian territory.

Both crew members successfully ejected from the aircraft; the pilot was rescued shortly after, while the search for the colonel continued.

In the lead-up to the rescue, US forces intensified their strikes on Iranian targets, notably destroying a significant bridge that served as a crucial access point to Tehran.

Iran had placed a bounty on the colonel, and his capture would have provided Tehran leverage in negotiations.

In a warning to Iran, Trump mentioned on Saturday that he would respond forcefully if the country did not allow passage through the Strait of Hormuz, stating, “Time is running out” and “Glory be to God”.

The successful operation not only showcased the US military's capabilities for ground operations but also reaffirmed their air dominance over Iran.

Trump noted, “The fact that we were able to conduct both operations without a single American casualty just proves our overwhelming Air Dominance and Superiority over the Iranian skies.”

He detailed that a significant number of US aircraft, equipped with advanced weaponry, were deployed to recover him from behind enemy lines. The colonel, described by the media as a weapons officer, sustained injuries but is expected to recover.

Additionally, another US A-10 Warthog aircraft reportedly crashed near the Gulf of Hormuz on Friday, possibly due to Iranian fire, but its pilot was rescued after landing outside Iranian territory.

Air crews are equipped with beacons and communication devices to maintain contact and assist in locating them. A variety of helicopters and aircraft were utilized in the search for the colonel, with troops conducting the rescue operation in Iran.

During the operation, it was reported that US aircraft engaged Iranian forces approaching the colonel's location, resulting in a firefight. A helicopter involved in the pilot's rescue was reportedly damaged by Iranian fire but managed to escape.

Just days before the incident, Trump had claimed in a national address that Iran's air defense systems had been entirely destroyed.