US Rescues Downed F-15 Weapons Officer After Daring Two-Day Operation

Trump announced that a missing Air Force weapons officer had been rescued after more than 24 hours behind enemy lines.

The two-person crew ejected after their jet was shot down; the pilot was rescued shortly afterward.

Al Jazeera

The second airman spent more than 24 hours evading capture in mountainous terrain.

Trump described the rescue as one of the most daring in U.S. history.

The rescue was a high-risk operation involving dozens of aircraft and special forces.

U.S. officials said the terrain was exceptionally difficult.

Al Jazeera

The CIA launched a deception campaign to locate the airman.

Four U.S. aircraft became inoperable and were destroyed.

Trump set a 48-hour deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

He signaled plans to bomb Iranian energy infrastructure.

Iran's judiciary said Trump had insulted the Iranians with vile language.

The Strait of Hormuz had been closed by Iran since the war began.

At least 3,531 people have been killed in Iran since the war began.

This includes 1,607 civilians and 244 children.

BBC

Thirteen U.S. service members have been killed.

Public support for the war remained weak.

Trump ended with the oath never to leave a warfighter behind.

The rescue freed the president from immediate political risk.

CBC

It set the stage for dramatic escalation in an unpopular war.