OAN Staff Brooke Mallory
11:27 AM – Monday, March 2, 2026
In an unfortunate “friendly fire” incident during the third day of a rapidly widening regional conflict, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Monday that three U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles were “mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses.”
All six crew members — two per aircraft — successfully ejected and have been recovered in stable condition. The incident occurred late Sunday night, at approximately 11:03 p.m. ET, as Kuwaiti forces were attempting to intercept a massive wave of Iranian missiles and drones.
The downing occurred during Operation Epic Fury, a joint U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran that began on February 28, 2026. According to a statement released by CENTCOM, the three multi-role fighters were operating in support of combat missions when they were targeted by the very partners they were defending.
“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,” CENTCOM stated.
Verified social media footage from the Al Jahra area of Kuwait captured the moment one of the $31 million aircraft (estimated base cost) was engulfed in flames, entering a flat spin before crashing near the Mina Al Ahmadi refinery.
Debris from the crash reportedly injured two refinery workers, though the crews landed safely in the desert and were initially assisted by local Kuwaiti citizens.
The incident highlights the extreme “fog of war” currently gripping the Persian Gulf. Following the death of Iran’s supreme leader over the weekend, Tehran has launched retaliatory strikes across Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE. The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) had reportedly been tracking Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for “several months” before the attack.
Kuwaiti officials have also since acknowledged the error, citing the “indiscriminate and reckless” nature of the Iranian assault as the primary reason for the high-tension environment that led to the misidentification of the American jets.
“Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defense forces and their support in this ongoing operation,” CENTCOM added.
| Details | More information |
| Aircraft involved: | 3 x F-15E Strike Eagles |
| Location: | Al Jahra / Mina Al Ahmadi, Kuwait |
| Total crew: | 6 – All survived |
| Operation name: | Operation Epic Fury |
| Primary cause: | ‘Misidentification’ by Kuwaiti Air Defenses |
Despite the loss of the aircraft, the Pentagon expressed gratitude for Kuwait’s search-and-rescue efforts. However, the incident has raised urgent questions about Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) protocols among coalition partners as the conflict enters its most volatile phase.
Meanwhile, oil prices have surged as the Strait of Hormuz remains a primary combat zone, and major airlines have suspended all flights to the Gulf states.
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