WASHINGTON — The U.S. military said Monday that Kuwait had “mistakenly shot down” three American F-15E Strike Eagles during active combat operations as Iran launched attacks on the country.
United States Central Command said the fighting included Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones, marking a rare engagement involving Iran’s aging combat fleet.
“During active combat … the U.S. Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses,” Central Command said in a statement. “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.”
Iranian state television claimed that Iran had targeted one of the U.S. aircraft that crashed in Kuwait but did not provide additional details, according to Associated Press.
Witness Ahmed al-Asar said explosions were heard as one of the jets fell from the sky in flames. He said he and others rushed to the area and saw an airman parachuting to the ground. Al-Asar initially believed the pilot was Iranian but later realized he was American before emergency responders secured the scene.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation.