3 US fighter jets downed in Kuwait

New Delhi, Mar 2: Three US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were shot down by Kuwaiti air defences in what the US officials have described as a ìfriendly fireî incident.

The confirmation came after Kuwaitís defence ministry earlier reported that several US aircraft had crashed.

Videos circulating online showed a jet falling to the ground in flames, while another clip appeared to show a pilot descending by parachute.

US Central Command said the aircraft were flying in support of Operation Epic Fury when they were mistakenly targeted during active combat conditions that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones.

All six crew members ejected safely and survived. They are reported to be in stable condition.

Kuwaiti defence authorities said coordination was carried out with US forces regarding the circumstances of the incident and that a joint technical investigation is underway to determine the cause.

The exact location of the crash was not officially disclosed, but it is believed the aircraft were operating from Ali Al Salem Air Base, which hosts a permanent US Air Force presence, including F-15E fighter jets.