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Three US military jets hit by 'friendly fire' in Kuwait; six aircrew safe
The cause of the incident is under investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available, says a statement from US Central Command
- PUBLISHED: Mon 2 Mar 2026, 11:46 AM UPDATED: Tue 3 Mar 2026, 12:54 PM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid Israeli, US strikes on Iran for the latest regional developments.]
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, the US Central Command (USCentCom) has confirmed.
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The incident happened at 11.03 pm ET, March 1, (8.03am March 2, UAE time). "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," according to USCentCom.
"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,' added USCentCom, noting: "The cause of the incident is under investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available."
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Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence spokesperson earlier announced that several US military aircraft crashed on Tuesday morning. According to the Ministry spokesperson, authorities immediately launched search-and-rescue operations. The crews were evacuated and transferred to hospitals for medical examinations and care. Their condition was stable.
The spokesperson added that direct coordination was conducted with US forces regarding the circumstances of the incidents and that joint technical procedures were implemented.
He stated that authorities are continuing investigations to determine the causes of the incidents, urging the public and media to rely only on information from official sources.
An AFP correspondent saw black smoke rising from the US embassy in Kuwait on Monday, with the diplomatic mission telling people not to come to the premises as Iran pressed on with a third day of Gulf attacks.
Sirens earlier sounded over the city following the latest volley of Iranian attacks in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes that killed the supreme leader and other top officials.
The embassy did not announce it had been hit, but issued a security alert urging people to stay away.
"There is a continuing threat of missile and UAV attacks over Kuwait. Do not come to the embassy," the statement said. "US Embassy personnel are sheltering in place," it added.
Kuwait's interior ministry said it intercepted an unspecified number of drones targeting the small, oil-rich country at dawn.
The Iranian attacks have so far killed five people in the Gulf, according to authorities, including one person in Kuwait.
Ajanta Paul is a Senior Editor on the Digital team. A natural leader and newshound, she thrives in breaking news and high-pressure situations — and enjoys reporting on community issues that matter to UAE residents.
