Trump: Rescue Operation Deploys 155 Aircraft, Forced to Destroy Two Transport Planes

On April 6, Xinhua News Agency reported from Washington that U.S. President Trump stated at a press conference held at the White House that the U.S. military deployed 155 aircraft in the operation to rescue the second pilot of the downed F-15E fighter jet, and was forced to destroy two transport planes that became stuck in the sand.

Trump said that the rescue operation involved 4 bombers, 64 fighter jets, 48 aerial refueling aircraft, 13 rescue aircraft, and various other types of aircraft, with personnel numbering in the hundreds. He described it as a risky decision, "because we could face the heavy consequence of 100 casualties, rather than just one or two."

Trump mentioned that the U.S. military used two large transport aircraft during the evacuation, carrying a large amount of equipment, but the planes became stuck in the sand, forcing the U.S. military to destroy the two transport aircraft to prevent advanced onboard air defense weapons and other equipment from falling into Iranian hands. Subsequently, as an emergency plan, the U.S. dispatched 3 lighter and faster aircraft to evacuate the relevant personnel.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Milley admitted at the press conference that an A-10 attack aircraft was hit by "enemy fire" during the earlier rescue operation, and the pilot ejected and was rescued after leaving Iranian airspace. Additionally, the helicopter that was picking up the F-15E pilot came under heavy attack, sustaining hits to the airframe, and the crew members were lightly injured.

Milley stated that the operation lasted for more than 50 hours. During the rescue of the second pilot, Iranian forces were also searching, and the U.S. conducted multiple rounds of airstrikes against the Iranian search teams.

On the 3rd, Iranian air defense forces shot down a U.S. F-15E dual-seat fighter jet, and both pilots ejected and escaped. U.S. search and rescue aircraft and helicopters entered Iranian territory that day, locating and rescuing one pilot. During this time, two U.S. helicopters were hit but managed to withdraw. Iranian forces also struck an A-10 attack aircraft involved in the rescue operation near the Strait of Hormuz. On the evening of the 4th Eastern Time, Trump announced that the U.S. military had rescued the second pilot from Iran.