KUWAIT CITY, March 2 (GeokHub) – Kuwait’s air defense systems mistakenly shot down three American F-15 fighter jets during active combat operations, U.S. Central Command said Monday, describing the incident as an apparent case of friendly fire in the expanding conflict with Iran.
All six crew members safely ejected from the aircraft and were recovered in stable condition, according to United States Central Command.
First U.S. Aircraft Loss Since War Began
The downing marks the first loss of U.S. aircraft since the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran over the weekend. Officials said the incident occurred during intense combat that included incoming Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones.
Kuwaiti authorities acknowledged the mistake, and an investigation is underway to determine how the friendly-fire episode unfolded.
Verified video footage showed a fighter jet falling from the sky over the Al Jahra area, with at least one pilot seen parachuting to safety.
Drone and Missile Threat Intensifies
Kuwait’s air defenses had been intercepting hostile drones earlier in the day, marking the third consecutive day of Iranian retaliatory strikes across Gulf states. Tehran has vowed to target U.S. bases in the region following American and Israeli operations against the Islamic Republic.
Iranian state media cited the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as claiming responsibility for striking a U.S. aircraft that later crashed in Kuwait.
Air raid sirens and loud explosions were reported across Kuwait throughout the morning. Witnesses also described blasts in Dubai and Qatar’s capital, Doha, underscoring the widening geographic scope of the conflict.
Embassy Alert and Refinery Incident
Smoke was seen rising near the U.S. Embassy compound in Kuwait City, prompting the deployment of emergency vehicles. There were no immediate reports of casualties linked to that incident.
The embassy issued a warning advising American citizens to shelter in place due to the continuing threat of missile and drone attacks. Residents were urged to remain indoors, stay on lower floors, and avoid windows.
Separately, two workers sustained minor injuries after falling debris struck Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery during aerial interceptions, according to the country’s National Petroleum Company.
