Three US F-15s mistakenly downed by Kuwaiti air defence: CENTCOM

KUWAIT CITY: Three US warplanes were mistakenly shot down by Kuwait air defences late on Sunday night, the US Central Command said, an incident that occured during active fighting that included Iranian attacks.

“Three US F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident. During active combat – that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones – the US Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defences,” CENTCOM said Monday, adding that all six aircrew ejected and were safe.

“Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defense forces and their support in this ongoing operation,” it added.

Earlier, Kuwait’s defence ministry said several American warplanes crashed in Kuwait on Monday morning but their crew survived.

“Several US warplanes crashed this morning. Confirming that all crew members survived,” a defence ministry spokesman stated, adding that the cause was under investigation.

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“Authorities immediately initiated search and rescue operations, evacuating the crews and transporting them to a hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. He noted that their condition is stable,” the statement added.