US-Iran war: Kuwait 'mistakenly' shoots down three American F-15s in friendly fire incident
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKMarch 2, 2026
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Three US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were mistakenly shot down over Kuwait in a friendly fire incident during early Monday operations. All six crew members safely ejected and were recovered by Kuwaiti forces, sustaining no serious injuries. The incident occurred as part of Operation Epic Fury, with the cause under investigation by both US and Kuwaiti authorities.
The downing happened amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran, following a series of retaliatory attacks in the region. Earlier that day, Kuwait intercepted hostile drones, and Iran's state media claimed responsibility for hitting a US aircraft, though the US labeled it a friendly fire incident. The complexity of the situation was further highlighted by conflicting reports from Iranian sources, which suggested their forces had targeted the planes.
This event underscores the volatile security environment in the Gulf, where ongoing conflicts involve missile attacks, drone interceptions, and air strikes. It reflects the risks of miscommunication and accidental hostilities in a region already on edge due to US-Iran tensions. The incident has raised concerns about the potential for escalation and the challenges of maintaining stability in such a tense geopolitical landscape.
For readers interested in global affairs, this highlights the dangers of military operations in complex environments and the ongoing risks of conflict in the Middle East. It also underscores the importance of international cooperation in managing crises and preventing unintended escalations.
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Originally published on Times of India on 3/2/2026