Overview
- U.S. Central Command reported that three F-15E Strike Eagles went down over Kuwait at 11:03 p.m. ET on March 1 while supporting Operation Epic Fury.
- All six aircrew ejected, were recovered by responders, and are in stable condition according to U.S. and Kuwaiti authorities.
- Kuwait’s Defense Ministry confirmed multiple U.S. aircraft crashes, coordinated rescues, and transferred crews to hospitals as videos verified by Reuters showed a jet falling and parachutes.
- Iranian state media claimed its forces struck a U.S. aircraft, a claim disputed by U.S. officials who describe the losses as an apparent friendly-fire incident now under investigation.
- Kuwait reported intercepting hostile drones the same day, smoke was seen near the U.S. Embassy compound in Kuwait City, and two refinery workers were slightly injured by falling debris.