WASHINGTON: The American pilot who disappeared after being shot down in his F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft in Iran has been rescued successfully. It was a risky mission that featured heavy fighting. The operation formed part of a major episode of military conflict.
Intense Search-and-Rescue Operation
The United States officials stated that the pilot had been traced and rescued during an operation under the cover of darkness in the city of Dehdasht, located in the province of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad in Iran. Heavy firing was exchanged between the two parties during the operation. As per some of the reports cited in Al Jazeera, four persons had lost their lives. At least one person got injured during the operation.
The situation was made even more difficult due to the fact that the Iranians were also looking for the missing pilot. They had actually offered a reward to the civilians for helping them locate the missing pilot. One of the high-ranking officials mentioned the fact that it was important to locate the pilot. However, rescuing him was the bigger issue.
High Praise and Presidential Confirmation
President of the United States of America Donald Trump confirmed that the operation was the most dangerous search and rescue mission ever done by the Americans in their history. The rescued officer is, according to the president, a well-regarded colonel who was slightly injured. He will recover fully.
Moreover, the president also pointed out the fact that numerous aircraft and weapons were involved in the operation. It is worth noting that the rescue came shortly after another rescue that took place the previous day. The success of both rescues indicates the expertise that the United States has when it comes to such missions.
