Several United States military aircraft crashed in Kuwait on Monday morning, but all crew members survived with no serious injuries, according to Kuwait's Defense Ministry.
The ministry stated that relevant authorities immediately launched search-and-rescue operations, evacuating the crews from the crash sites and transferring them to hospitals for medical checks. Their conditions were described as stable. Col. Said Al-Atwan, a ministry spokesperson, noted that Kuwait was in direct coordination with U.S. authorities.
Videos circulating on social media and geolocated by CNN showed at least one F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet in a tailspin and on fire near Al Jahra, west of Kuwait City, as well as a pilot parachuting to the ground close to the U.S. Ali Al Salem Air Base. Additional footage depicted another jet crashing, with locals assisting a crew member before authorities arrived. The crashes occurred within about 10 kilometers of the base, which hosts U.S. forces.
The cause of the incidents remains unclear. U.S. Central Command and the White House had not immediately responded to requests for comment as of early Monday. The events unfolded amid day three of Operation Epic Fury, a joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign that has struck over 1,000 targets in Iran, including command centers, Revolutionary Guard headquarters, and naval assets.
Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases across the Gulf region, including Ali Al Salem Air Base on Saturday, where three U.S. Army soldiers were killed. Explosions have been reported in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Lebanon, with broader impacts including disrupted air travel, surging energy prices, and an internet blackout in Iran. President Donald Trump acknowledged the potential for additional U.S. casualties and indicated the conflict could extend for weeks.
The U.S. maintains a significant military presence in Kuwait, with assets including fighter jets, drones, refueling aircraft, and counter-drone systems deployed in response to rising tensions. The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait warned of ongoing missile and drone threats, urging citizens to shelter in place.
Iranian media claimed responsibility for downing a U.S. jet, but these assertions remain unverified. Kuwaiti officials emphasized the crews' safety and ongoing investigations without specifying further details.
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