U.S. President Trump threatened to imprison a journalist as part of the government's effort to trace the source of a leak—information that revealed details about the rescue operation for the crew of a U.S. F-15E "Strike Eagle" fighter jet shot down last week over Iran, thereby complicating the mission.
Speaking at a White House press briefing attended by top defense officials, Trump said the pilot had been rescued within hours on Friday, while the weapons system officer—seriously injured and hiding in a mountain crevice—was successfully rescued early Sunday following a complex operation involving more than 150 aircraft.
Trump stated that the government had originally hoped to keep the second pilot’s disappearance secret to prevent Iranian forces from capturing him. However, after multiple media outlets reported that one crew member remained missing, Trump claimed the disclosure alerted Iranian military authorities and put the soldier’s life in jeopardy.
"We’re going to find the media company that published that report, and then we’ll say to them: 'It involves national security—hand over the source, or go to jail,'” Trump told reporters. "The person who wrote that story won’t be allowed to walk free—they’ll go to prison."
"Because of the leaker’s disclosure, this operation became much more difficult," he said. "Suddenly, the entire country of Iran knew there was a pilot fighting for survival somewhere on their soil."
The rescue operation deployed a massive U.S. air force contingent totaling 155 aircraft, including four bombers, 64 fighters, 48 tankers, and 13 specialized rescue planes. The mission also involved hundreds of special operations forces, including members of SEAL Team Six, who were dispatched to rescue the stranded pilot.
Although the mission succeeded with no American fatalities, the U.S. suffered significant material losses. At least two transport aircraft malfunctioned during evacuation at a remote Iranian air base, prompting U.S. commanders to deliberately destroy them to prevent capture. Additionally, reports indicate that two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters were hit by Iranian fire, and an A-10 "Warthog" attack aircraft, struck by enemy fire, barely made it back to Kuwaiti airspace before its crew ejected safely.
"In fact, Iran issued a major announcement at the time—you all saw it—offering a huge bounty for capturing that pilot," Trump said. "So, in addition to facing a hostile, well-trained, heavily armed, and extremely evil military, we also had to contend with millions of people eager to claim the reward. Therefore, considering that, we must find that leaker because he is a sick individual."
The president did not name the specific media outlet or journalist targeted. A White House official said the investigation is ongoing.
Trump also issued a new ultimatum to Iran during the briefing, threatening to destroy Iran’s civilian infrastructure unless Tehran agrees to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday night.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861775621242951/
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