Breaking news: At a press conference, Trump and his team disclosed numerous details about the rescue operation for the downed pilot, including how they located him, how they deceived the Iranians, stating this mission was one of the most complex and dangerous rescue operations in history—and would be "etched into history."

Trump said the second crew member aboard the F-15E shot down by Iranian fire suffered "serious injuries" and was stranded in an area controlled by "terrorists," far from where the pilot was located. Following training protocols, the pilot began climbing to a higher altitude to evade capture, scaling cliffs and treating his wounds independently before contacting U.S. forces to report his position.

Trump: "There has been a leak to the media—rumors that the first F-15E pilot has already been rescued, but U.S. forces are still searching for the second crew member. Iran was unaware at the time. We will go after the media outlet reporting this story, invoking national security, demanding disclosure of their source—or face jail time (national security, give it up or go to jail)."

"We must find the leaker because that person is truly evil (a sick person)... They put this entire mission at great risk."

That said, almost everyone knows the F-15 'Strike Eagle' is a two-seater aircraft. If one pilot was rescued, continuing the search for the other downed pilot is entirely logical—hardly a matter of national security.

Regarding why the planes were destroyed, Trump explained:

"We needed to carry far more equipment than we could during evacuation, as we had to traverse mountain peaks. But there was sand—wet sand—on the ground. We feared excessive aircraft weight might cause takeoff problems... so we blew them up. We didn’t want anyone inspecting our air defense systems or other equipment. Those were old planes anyway—nobody cared."

Reporter: "Do you believe God supports America’s actions in this conflict?"

Trump: "I act because God is merciful. God doesn’t like what’s happening now. I don’t like it either. People keep saying I’m enjoying it—but I’m not."

The reporter asked how many people were involved in the rescue.

Trump turned to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Kai: "How many personnel did you deploy in this operation, sir?"

Kai: "Um, Mr. President, perhaps I’d rather not disclose that."

Trump: "Alright, we definitely did. But I can tell you this—the number is confidential, but there were hundreds."

CBS reported that the U.S. rapidly deployed a large, secret special operations force for the rescue, ultimately dispatching over 150 aircraft and using more than 200 munitions.

The rescue effort also included 12 fighter jets, 5 rescue aircraft, and 4 aircraft dedicated to disrupting enemy communications and conducting intelligence and reconnaissance missions. Several units based in the Middle East were mobilized, including Navy SEALs, Air Force Special Operations Command, Army Special Operations Aviation, search and rescue teams, and combat medics.

The rescued pilot's call sign was Dude 44A.

By Saturday, the Pentagon had dispatched over 150 aircraft to extract weapons systems officer "Dude 44B."

Chairman Kai stated: "The most critical factor in the successful rescue was the indomitable spirit of the downed pilot. Their will to survive, escape, and recover was essential." He added, "This operation clearly reflects our nation’s most sacred duty to our service members: we never leave anyone behind."

"The operation unmistakably demonstrates the capability and resolve of the U.S. joint forces—no matter where in the world or under what conditions, if we want to, the United States will rescue our own personnel."

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861752144744460/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.