On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that around 200 personnel were dispatched to retrieve an Air Force officer who had become stranded in Iran following the downing of his fighter jet during a mission called Operation Epic Fury on Friday.
Trump elaborated that the operation utilized a total of 155 aircraft, which included 4 bombers, 64 fighter jets, 48 refueling tankers, and 13 aircraft designated for rescue operations, among other military assets. He noted that these aerial vehicles were operating at very low altitudes and encountered enemy fire.
The pilot of the F-15E Strike Eagle was rescued quickly, but the retrieval of the Colonel-ranked weapons systems officer was confirmed on Sunday. This extraction coincided with the rescue of the jet pilot on Saturday, with both military personnel being saved from deep within Iranian territory.
The President indicated that the officer had sustained injuries and reiterated the commitment of the U.S. military to never leave personnel behind. “I directed the American armed forces to take all necessary actions to bring our courageous service members home,” Trump stated during a press briefing.
Earlier that day, while attending the White House Easter Egg Roll, Trump remarked that Iran managed to shoot down a U.S. aircraft with what he described as a “lucky shot.” He also mentioned that “some helicopters are currently riddled with bullet holes.”
On Sunday, Trump confirmed that the military had successfully executed the rescue operation. He expressed on Truth Social, “The successful execution of both operations, without a SINGLE American fatality or injury, underscores our overwhelming Air Dominance and Superiority over Iranian airspace.”
An initial report from the New York Times indicated that during the rescue of the weapons officer, two U.S. transport planes that were supposed to evacuate personnel became immobilized at a remote location, leading the crew to destroy the aircraft.
However, later that day, the Unified Command of the Iranian Armed Forces reported that two C-130 transport planes and two Blackhawk helicopters were downed in the vicinity of Isfahan during the rescue effort.
The Express Global Desk at The Indian Express provides reliable, verified, and context-rich coverage of significant international events influencing global politics and migration patterns. It emphasizes stories that are pertinent to both Indian and global audiences, merging breaking news with thorough analyses.
A key focus of the desk is U.S. immigration and visa policies, encompassing updates on student visas, work permits, pathways to permanent residency, executive decisions, and judicial rulings. Additionally, the Global Desk monitors Canada’s immigration, visa, and educational policies, reporting on modifications to study permits, post-study work opportunities, permanent residency programs, and regulatory changes impacting migrants and international students.
All reporting by the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, governmental announcements, court documents, and verified sources. The desk strives for clarity, accuracy, and accountability, enabling readers to confidently navigate complex global systems.
The Express Global Desk is comprised of a skilled team of journalists and editors with substantial expertise in international affairs and migration policy:
Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with a wealth of experience in global affairs and editorial leadership.
Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor with a focus on U.S. politics and immigration policy.
Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor concentrating on global developments, particularly related to Canadian immigration and study policies.
Stay informed with the latest updates – Click here to follow us on Instagram.
