Overview
- U.S. Central Command confirmed three F-15E Strike Eagles went down over Kuwait at 11:03 p.m. ET on March 1 while supporting Operation Epic Fury, with all six aircrew ejecting and recovered in stable condition.
- Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence said several U.S. aircraft crashed and reported the crews safe, and Kuwaiti and U.S. authorities opened a joint investigation into the cause.
- CENTCOM said the jets were mistakenly engaged by Kuwaiti air defenses during active combat that involved Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones.
- Video circulated online showing aircraft falling and aircrew parachutes, including footage from Kuwait’s Al Jahra verified by Reuters, as Iranian state media pushed competing claims about a shoot-down.
- Regional strikes continued to pressure Gulf infrastructure and airspace, with Kuwait reporting hostile drone interceptions, smoke observed near the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait City, and security alerts urging shelter in place.