“Friendly Fire” downs 3 US F-15 Fighter Jets over Kuwait!
“Friendly fire” incident downs three US F-15 fighter jets over Kuwaiti skies!
New York, US, Mar 2 (EFE).-
The United States is investigating a “friendly fire” incident in which three US F-15 fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses during operations against Iran, the nation’s top military officer said Monday.
Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the aircraft were misidentified as part of an Iranian attack and struck by Kuwait’s air defense systems. All six crew members ejected safely and were rescued.
“I am grateful for the safety of the crews, and we know that this was not from hostile enemy fire,” Caine told reporters at the Pentagon, appearing alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. “As this matter is under investigation, I will not comment further on this.”
In a statement issued earlier, the United States Central Command said the aircraft were supporting operations against Iran when they went down over Kuwait at about 11 pm Washington time Sunday.
“All six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition,” the command said.
“Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defense forces and their support in this ongoing operation.”
The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions following the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, and much of the country’s senior military leadership. Tehran has vowed retaliation and threatened a forceful response.
Airstrikes continued across the region over the weekend. Iranian forces have responded to US and Israeli bombardments with attacks targeting Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and US bases in several countries in the region.
Despite the downing of the aircraft, Caine said US operations would continue, adding that US forces are prepared not only to maintain pressure, but to respond and adapt as necessary. EFE
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