Trump Pledges to Target Leaker Over US Air Force Rescue Mission in Iran
Donald Trump has vowed to hunt down a 'leaker' who provided sensitive details to the media about a US air force rescue mission in Iran, endangering an injured colonel hiding in mountainous terrain. The president emphasized that the leak compromised national security and made the operation significantly more difficult.
Details of Operation Epic Fury Revealed
Trump described the rescue efforts, part of Operation Epic Fury, which began after two airmen ejected and landed alive in hostile territory. He stated that 155 aircraft were involved in the mission, with 21 deployed in the first wave under heavy enemy fire. The president highlighted that one helicopter sustained multiple bullet hits during the operation.
A blood-soaked colonel activated a location transmitter as he climbed to seek safety, following training to distance himself from the crash site. Trump explained that when a plane crashes in hostile areas, crew members are trained to move away quickly to avoid capture.
Leak Jeopardizes Rescue Efforts
The president accused a journalist of leaking information to Iran that the US was still searching for a missing airman, putting the pilot's life at risk. Trump asserted that this disclosure alerted Iran to the presence of a pilot on their land, complicating rescue operations. He warned that the US would pursue the media company responsible, stating, 'We will go to the media company that released it. And we're going to say "national security, give it up or go to jail."'
Trump added that Iran issued a notice offering a large reward for the pilot's capture, incentivizing millions of people to search alongside the military. He condemned the leaker as a 'very sick person' who may not have realized the severity of their actions.
Successful Rescue Amid Challenges
Despite the obstacles, the rescue was successful. Trump described the officer as 'bleeding profusely' but able to navigate mountainous terrain and contact US forces. Rescuers employed subterfuge to mislead Iranians about the search location, mobilizing a massive response to retrieve the crew member.
Trump praised the operation as historic, stating, 'This is a rescue that is very historic. It will go down in the books.' He emphasized the US military's commitment to leaving no one behind, noting, 'In the US Military we leave no one American behind. We just don't do it.'
The president revealed that rescue planes faced difficulties taking off from improvised runways, leading to their destruction to prevent capture by enemy forces. He concluded by reiterating the success of Operation Epic Fury and warning of potential future actions against Iran.
