Three U.S. F-15 Fighter Jets Downed in Friendly Fire Incident Over Kuwait

Three U.S. F-15 fighter jets taking part in strikes against Iran were shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses in what American officials described as a friendly fire incident, according to a statement released early Monday by United States Central Command (CENTCOM).

All six crew members aboard the aircraft successfully ejected before the crashes and were later reported to be in stable condition. Military officials said recovery operations were carried out swiftly, ensuring the safety of the personnel involved.

In its statement, CENTCOM, which is headquartered in Tampa, noted that Kuwait has acknowledged the incident. The command expressed appreciation for the efforts of Kuwaiti defense forces and their continued cooperation during the ongoing military operation.

Video footage circulating on social media appeared to show the dramatic moments of the jets crashing, with images capturing smoke rising from the impact sites. The authenticity of the videos has not been independently verified, but they have drawn significant attention online.

The incident reportedly occurred shortly after what officials described as an apparent Iranian drone barrage targeting the U.S. embassy compound in Kuwait City. The attack heightened tensions in the region and prompted immediate security responses.

Earlier, the U.S. embassy had issued a security alert advising Americans in the area to remain indoors and avoid approaching the compound. The warning instructed citizens to seek shelter and exercise extreme caution amid the unfolding situation.

The embassy’s advisory explicitly stated, “Do not come to the Embassy,” underscoring the seriousness of the threat at the time. Investigations into the friendly fire incident are ongoing as military officials work to determine how the misidentification occurred during heightened defensive operations.