‘One Kuwaiti pilot blasted all three US F-15 jets out of the sky in friendly fire blunder’
One Kuwaiti pilot blasted all three US F-15 jets out of the sky in friendly fire blunder
A Kuwaiti pilot operating an American-built jet inadvertently downed three US F-15 aircraft during a friendly fire incident, according to a report. The mistake occurred as the pilot mistook the jets for Iranian models, leading to a dramatic sequence of events.
Initial reports suggest the F/A-18 pilot fired three missiles at the American planes, as shared by sources close to the incident. The U.S. aircrew had to eject from their aircraft to ensure safety, with the loss of $300 million in damaged equipment.
Social Media Footage Shows Confusion
Video clips circulating online captured the unexpected scene of an American pilot, who had parachuted from his shot-down jet, being mistaken for an Iranian soldier. A group of local men approached the pilot, shouting and waving a metal pole, while he repeatedly urged them to step back.
“Back up. Stop!” the pilot was heard saying as the men drew nearer, believing he was Iranian. Once the pilot clarified his nationality, the crowd retreated, leaving him unharmed.
The pilot was among the three U.S. jets that were mistakenly targeted over Kuwait on Monday. The footage also highlighted a separate moment where an unidentified female pilot smiled broadly despite being shot down in the same incident.
Drone Strike Targets US Military
A day earlier, a drone attack on a U.S. operations center in Kuwait killed six soldiers. This event raised concerns about the safety measures in place as the U.S. and Israel engaged Iran in military actions.
“Several US warplanes crashed this morning. Confirming that all crew members survived,” stated a Kuwaiti defense ministry spokesperson. “Authorities immediately initiated search and rescue operations, evacuating the crews and transporting them to a hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. Their condition is stable.”
The Pentagon confirmed the attack was carried out by an Iranian drone at Port Shuaiba, a strategic seaport near Kuwait City. A satellite image revealed the main building of the complex destroyed, with smoke rising from the site.
Kuwait hosts the largest U.S. military contingent in the region, with around 13,500 personnel stationed there. The drone strike, which occurred on Sunday, underscores the ongoing tensions and risks faced by allied forces during the conflict with Iran.
