Three U.S. fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwait’s air defense forces on Sunday evening, U.S. Central Command said in a statement on Monday. All six crew members ejected, and their condition is reported as stable.
The incident underscores how disorganized air operations have become amid the conflict with Iran—allies are repelling Iranian strikes while U.S. aircraft are operating in the same airspace. According to CENTCOM, the fighters were supporting Operation Epic Fury when they were hit at around 11:03 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday.
Kuwaiti authorities confirmed the incident. The causes are under investigation.
Kuwait is among several Persian Gulf states that have faced Iranian retaliation since U.S. and Israeli strikes began on Saturday. In recent days, missiles and drones have struck areas near Kuwait International Airport and U.S. facilities.
Three U.S. service members were killed in the initial clashes. President Donald Trump had previously warned that the death toll would likely rise before the operation concludes.