Iran Conflict: US Recovers Missing Crew from Shot-Down Jet

Following an extensive search operation, US officials announced the successful retrieval of the co-pilot from the F-15E jet that Iran had downed. US President Donald Trump stated that the airman sustained injuries but is expected to make a full recovery. DW provides the most recent updates.

Iranian Drone Strikes in Kuwait

On April 5, Iranian drones targeted government and energy sites in Kuwait, local authorities confirmed. The country’s military reported on X that Kuwaiti air defenses were actively countering “hostile missile and drone threats.” Explosions attributed to air defense intercepts were noted, though no casualties were reported.

According to state news agency KUNA, a drone struck an oil facility managed by Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, resulting in no injuries. Another drone caused “substantial” damage to a Finance Ministry building, but again, there were no reports of harm to personnel.

Iran’s attacks on Kuwait followed US-Israeli strikes, targeting Gulf nations that host US military forces. A service member missing since the jet was shot down on Friday was recovered on Sunday, Trump disclosed. A second crew member had been found earlier in the day.

“At my direction, the US Military deployed numerous aircraft equipped with advanced weaponry to locate and recover him. He sustained injuries, but he will be just fine,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“WE WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AMERICAN WARFIGHTER BEHIND!” the president added, emphasizing the mission’s success.

An Al Jazeera report, citing a US official, mentioned that the rescue involved a “heavy firefight,” underscoring the challenges faced during the operation. Here are key developments from Saturday: