Three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were downed by Kuwaiti air defenses on Sunday in what the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) described as a friendly fire incident. The incident occurred during the ongoing Operation Epic Fury targeting Iranian assets.
All six aircrew members ejected safely and were recovered without injury, CENTCOM said. Kuwait acknowledged the incident, and U.S. officials expressed gratitude for Kuwaiti assistance.
Iran has increased its retaliatory attacks, striking bases and infrastructure in the region, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society.
Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Iran’s actions as reckless and endangering civilians. A coalition of countries, including the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, also condemned the Iranian strikes.
U.S. and allied forces began their operation early Saturday, focusing on Iranian military targets. The mission has resulted in the sinking of nine Iranian naval vessels, confirmed by President Donald Trump. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a strike on his compound.
CENTCOM reported three U.S. service members killed and five seriously wounded in the conflict.
Iranian officials say over 555 people have died in the strikes, affecting more than 130 cities.
