Three US fighter jets ‘mistakenly’ shot down over Kuwait
Al Jazeera
March 2, 2026
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Three United States fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses during active combat with Iran, according to USCENTCOM. The incident occurred while the US was conducting joint military operations with Israel against Iran. Three F-15E Strike Eagle jets were hit, but all six crew members safely ejected and were recovered alive, though they are currently in stable condition.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation by both Kuwaiti authorities and USCENTCOM. Videos shared online showed one jet spiraling downward with its tail on fire, along with footage of pilots ejecting and being assisted by locals. Reports also indicated that loud explosions and sirens were heard in Kuwait City early Monday morning, with smoke seen near the US embassy.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the Middle East as the US escalates military operations against Iran. Iran has retaliated by targeting civilian and commercial areas across Gulf cities, impacting key aviation and economic hubs. The US military has confirmed that additional forces are being deployed to the region, signaling a long-term commitment to achieving its objectives.
US officials have emphasized that this is not an "endless war," but rather a protracted effort aimed at destroying Iran's missile systems, naval capabilities, and security infrastructure. Despite the challenges, there is no immediate end in sight, as General Dan Caine of the Joint Chiefs
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 3/2/2026