Video posted on social media Monday shows Kuwaiti civilians assisting [1] a female American servicemember after three U.S. fighter jets were accidentally shot down during active combat operations over Kuwait.
United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed in a statement that three F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft were downed Sunday night during ongoing military operations involving the Islamic Republic of Iran. The incident occurred while the aircraft were flying in support of Operation Epic Fury.
Footage shared by Faytuks Network shows local Kuwaitis running toward one of the six U.S. Air Force personnel who ejected from the aircraft. The video captures civilians approaching a female aircrew member as she stood on the ground with her oxygen mask hanging from her flight gear.
“You’re fine? Really? You need something to help you?” the person recording asked.
The servicemember reassured those around her that she was unharmed. The Kuwaiti individual responded, “No problem, you’re safe. You’re safe, you’re safe. Everything good?”
“Thank you for helping us,” the Kuwaiti added.
According to CENTCOM, the aircraft were mistakenly engaged by Kuwaiti air defense systems amid intense combat activity in the region.
“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,” CENTCOM said in its statement released Monday. “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.”
CENTCOM reported that all six aircrew members—three pilots and three weapon systems officers (WSO)—ejected safely from the aircraft.
“All six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition,” the statement continued.
“Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defense forces and their support in this ongoing operation. The cause of the incident is under investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.”
Operation Epic Fury involves coordinated U.S. military action in response to hostilities connected to Iran.
The combat environment at the time of the incident included reported attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones, according to CENTCOM.
The F-15E Strike Eagle is a multi-role fighter-bomber manufactured by Boeing and has been in service with the United States Air Force since 1989. According to an official Air Force fact sheet, the aircraft has a top speed exceeding Mach 2.5 and is equipped with a 20mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon.
The F-15E can carry AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and is capable of deploying a wide range of air-to-surface weapons used by the U.S. military.
As of the most recent Air Force inventory data cited in the fact sheet, the United States Air Force maintains 219 F-15E aircraft.
The incident over Kuwait remains under review as officials examine the circumstances that led to the friendly-fire engagement. CENTCOM stated that further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
The video of Kuwaiti civilians assisting the downed aircrew circulated widely online, drawing attention to the rapid response by locals following the ejection of the U.S. personnel. All six service members were recovered safely and remain in stable condition, according to military officials.