CENTCOM Announces Downing of Three U.S. Fighter Jets in Friendly Fire Incident Over Kuwait

Welat TV – Erbil

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that three American F-15E fighter jets were shot down during combat operations in a friendly fire incident over Kuwait.

In an official statement issued on Monday, March 2, 2026, CENTCOM said the incident occurred at 11:03 p.m. Eastern Time on March 1, while the aircraft were conducting support missions as part of the ongoing military operation. The jets were mistakenly engaged by Kuwaiti air defense systems.

According to the statement, the incident took place amid active combat conditions involving Iranian drone and ballistic missile attacks, which reportedly contributed to the misidentification of friendly aircraft.

CENTCOM confirmed that all six crew members successfully ejected and were safely recovered. They have since been transported to secure locations and are reported to be in stable condition.

The statement added that Kuwaiti authorities acknowledged the incident, and CENTCOM expressed appreciation for the efforts of Kuwaiti defense forces and their continued support within the framework of the ongoing operation.

The command concluded by noting that the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, with additional information to be released as it becomes available.