Kuwait accidentally shoots down three U.S. fighter jets during Iran mission

Three American fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses in a friendly fire incident late Sunday, the Pentagon said.

All six service members on the F-15E Strike Eagles ejected safely, were recovered and are in stable condition, according to U.S. Central Command. 

The incident comes amid a growing conflict in the Middle East that began with joint U.S.-Israeli attacks against Iran over the weekend. Iran responded by targeting American military bases in the region, as well as Israel and other Gulf states, including Kuwait. 

The fighter jets were shot down while flying in support of the U.S. mission against Iran, known as Operation Epic Fury.

“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 said in a statement. “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 Pentagon said an investigation into the incident is ongoing. 

President Trump has warned there will be American casualties during the Iran operation. At least three U.S. service members were killed and five severely wounded on Sunday. The Pentagon did not reveal where those troops were stationed or how they were killed