Three F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were shot down in separate friendly fire incidents by Kuwaiti air defences, according to United States Central Command (CENTCOM). The command oversees joint US-Israel military operations against Iran.
CENTCOM said all six crew members ejected safely and were later recovered in stable condition. Kuwait acknowledged the incidents and confirmed that several US military aircraft had crashed. Videos circulating online showed one jet spiralling downward in flames before the pilots ejected.
The incidents occurred amid escalating US-Israel strikes on Iranian military and regime targets. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Tel Aviv and American bases across the region. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed on the first day of the conflict.
Explosions were reported across Gulf cities on Monday. Air raid sirens sounded in Jerusalem after Israel detected incoming missiles. In Saudi Arabia, Saudi Aramco temporarily shut the Ras Tanura refinery after Iranian drones struck the facility. The attack heightened concerns over regional energy supplies.
The conflict has disrupted civilian life, including temporary closures at Dubai International Airport. Civilian buildings in multiple cities have also suffered damage.
