Multiple United States military jets have reportedly crashed in Kuwait. Videos of the incidents spread online on Monday, though it is currently unclear when the crashes initially occurred. All pilots involved in the crashes survived, according to multiple sources.
Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense first released a statement about the U.S. jet crashes that was posted by the X account of the Kuwait Army. The incident comes as U.S., Israeli, and Iranian military forces battle throughout the Middle East and Persian Gulf region. U.S. Central Command issued a press release about the incident on Monday morning.
“The official spokesman for the Ministry of Defense stated that a number of American warplanes crashed this morning, confirming that their crews were all saved,” read the post.
The planes were identified as an F-15E Strike Eagle. The aircraft seats two crew members: a pilot and a weapon system officer, according to the U.S. Air Force. It is “designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions” and can be used during low-altitude flights, “day or night and in all weather.”
“The official spokesperson added that direct coordination took place with the friendly American forces regarding the circumstances of the incident, and joint technical measures were taken,” said Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense about the crash.
“He stressed that the relevant authorities are following up on the investigations to determine the causes of the accident, calling for information to be obtained from official sources,” noted the post.
U.S. Central Command provided an update on the incident on Monday morning, claiming that the crashes were due to “friendly fire” and the jets were accidentally shot down by Kuwait.
“At 11:03 p.m. ET, March 1, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident, said U.S. Central Command.
“During active combat—that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones — the U.S. Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses,” read the release.
“All six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition. Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defense forces and their support in this ongoing operation,” said U.S. Central Command.
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Two videos circulated on social media showing the crashes. In one video, a U.S. fighter jet is seen on fire and free-falling to the ground near the U.S. Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, CNN reported. In a second video, a pilot was seen ejected from his aircraft and parachuted to the ground.
“The cause of the incident is under investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available,” noted U.S. Central Command.