Three U.S. Air Force F-15E aircraft were accidentally shot down over Kuwait on Sunday while supporting combat operations against Iran.
According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the fighter jets “were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses.”
All six crewmembers ejected safely and were recovered, and are now in “stable condition,” officials said.
The aircraft were flying in support of Operation Epic Fury, the joint U.S.-Israel air campaign against Iran that began Saturday. The shootdowns took place during “active combat,” the military said, as Iran counterattacked with aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones.
“Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defense forces and their support in this ongoing operation,” Central Command said.
The incident is now under investigation.
Since Saturday, U.S. and Israeli airstrikes have pummeled Iranian military bases, command centers, missile launch sites, and naval assets. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and much of the country’s military leadership have been killed.
Iran responded with attacks on American military bases in the region. It has also bombed oil infrastructure and civilian locations, including businesses and private residences, in Gulf countries and Israel.
