CENTCOM: Three U.S. F-15s Involved in Friendly Fire Incident in Kuwait
U.S. Central Command confirms three F-15E Strike Eagles were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses during intense combat. All six crew members ejected safely and are in stable condition
CENTCOM stated:
At 11:03 p.m. ET, March 1, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident.
During active combat—that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones — the U.S. Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses.
All six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition. Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defense forces and their support in this ongoing operation.
The cause of the incident is under investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense echoed this, and has officially announced that multiple United States military aircraft crashed within its territory on Monday morning. Kuwaiti officials confirmed that all crew members involved survived the incidents.
Following the crashes, which occurred amid a third day of intense regional missile and drone exchanges, Kuwaiti emergency teams launched immediate recovery efforts.
* Status of Personnel: Official spokesperson Colonel Saud Al-Atwan stated that all crews were successfully evacuated and transported to local hospitals. Their conditions are described as stable.
* The Aircraft: Viral footage geolocated to areas near Ali Al-Salem Air Base and Al Jahra appeared to show at least one F-15E Strike Eagle spiraling toward the ground in flames. Separate footage showed two pilots descending by parachute before being assisted by local residents.
Mina Al Ahmadi Impact: Debris from one of the downed aircraft reportedly fell near the Mina Al Ahmadi refinery, resulting in minor injuries to two workers and prompting a swift response from industrial fire teams.
The crashes occurred as smoke was observed rising near the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait City, leading the mission to issue an urgent security alert. American citizens have been advised to shelter in place and avoid the embassy compound due to the "continuing threat of missile and UAV attacks."
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**Technical teams from the U.S. Air Force are currently on-site at the crash locations to conduct a "joint technical assessment" with Kuwaiti authorities.**
**Would you like me to update you if the Pentagon releases the specific serial numbers or squadron designations of the aircraft involved?**