‘One Kuwaiti pilot blasted all three US F-15 jets out of the sky in friendly fire blunder’
Kuwaiti Pilot Accidentally Downed Three US F-15s in Friendly Fire Error
A Kuwaiti pilot, operating an American-built aircraft, inadvertently downed three US F-15 jets during a friendly fire incident, according to a recent report. The error occurred when the pilot mistook the F-15E Strike Eagles for Iranian fighters, leading to a dramatic moment captured on video.
Confusion Over Identity Sparks Tense Encounter
Social media videos captured the unexpected scene where an American pilot, ejected from his downed jet, was misidentified by locals as an Iranian combatant. In the footage, a group of men approached the airman, shouting and one brandishing a metal pipe, as they seemed to believe he was a foreign adversary.
“No problem, you are safe, you are safe. Everything good? Thank you for helping us,” a man recorded in the video said as he interacted with the pilot.
The pilot, who had parachuted to safety, was heard repeatedly urging the crowd to step back. After confirming his nationality, the locals retreated, leaving him unharmed. This incident occurred alongside the accidental downing of the three planes, which had crashed near a US military base in Kuwait.
Drone Strike Adds to Recent Tensions
Earlier in the week, a separate incident in Kuwait saw a drone attack on a US operations center, resulting in six American fatalities. The attack, which took place in Port Shuaiba, a critical seaport and industrial hub near Kuwait City, damaged the main building and left a plume of black smoke. The Pentagon confirmed the strike targeted the tactical operations center, with the projectile bypassing air defenses.
Kuwait hosts the largest US military contingent in the Middle East, with around 13,500 troops stationed. The two events—friendly fire and drone strike—highlight ongoing challenges for US forces in the region, particularly as Iran retaliates against military actions.
Investigation and Recovery Efforts Underway
Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence stated it was working with the US to investigate the circumstances of the incident. Meanwhile, US Central Command confirmed all six crew members ejected from the downed planes were recovered and hospitalized for evaluation. The pilot who survived the missile attack was among those who escaped unscathed.
“Several US warplanes crashed this morning. Confirming that all crew members survived,” a defense ministry spokesperson said in a statement.
Additional footage showed another pilot, also ejected, conversing with locals in a calm and friendly manner. A separate clip captured an unidentified female pilot smiling widely after being shot down, suggesting a mix of relief and resilience amid the chaos. The third pilot was seen walking on the ground, presumably unharmed, as the situation unfolded.
The incidents underscore the risks faced by US forces during high-stakes operations, with officials warning of potential further casualties as tensions escalate between the US, Israel, and Iran.
