Trump: “We Will Find the Leaker” After Alleged Rescue Operation Leak

U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to identify the source of an alleged internal leak regarding a military operation, warning that it may have endangered the lives of American personnel involved.

Speaking at a press conference on what he described as a “historic rescue mission” involving two American airmen, Trump said the disclosure of sensitive information had put the operation at risk.

“We have to find that leaker because that’s a sick person,” Trump said. “They put this mission at great risk.”

He added that he had ordered the U.S. armed forces to use “whatever was necessary” to recover the personnel, stressing the military principle that “we leave no American behind.” According to his account, the operation involved extensive coordination, including the deployment of 155 aircraft and deception tactics designed to mislead Iranian forces about the airmen’s location.

Trump said the mission required significant planning and misdirection due to what he described as a large opposing military presence in the region.

CIA describes deception strategy

John Ratcliffe, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, said the agency played a central role in a deception campaign aimed at confusing Iranian forces reportedly searching for the missing airmen.

Ratcliffe stated that U.S. intelligence confirmed one of the airmen was alive before the extraction took place, adding that the successful operation ultimately left Iranian forces “embarrassed and humiliated.”

Pentagon praises military execution

Pete Hegseth, Secretary of War, praised the operation as a demonstration of U.S. military capability and resolve.

“Our troops turned a potential tragedy into a resounding demonstration of American resolve and capability,” he said, adding that the mission sent a clear message that the United States would act “at any time to protect our own.”

He also credited Trump’s leadership, saying the operation would not have been possible without “ironclad determination” from the Commander-in-Chief.

Military leadership highlights risk

Chairman Gen. Dan Caine described the mission as highly dangerous but emphasized that it fulfilled a promise made to American service members.

“This was an incredibly dangerous undertaking,” he said, “but a promise that you will not be left behind. We will always come find you and bring you home.”