World
Three U.S. F-15s mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses
TAMPA, Fla. — March 1, 11:03 p.m. ET — Three U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft operating in support of Operation Epic Fury were involved in an apparent friendly fire incident over Kuwait late Sunday night, according to U.S. defense officials.
The aircraft were conducting active combat operations amid a complex and rapidly evolving battlespace that included reported attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and unmanned aerial systems.
During the engagement, the U.S. fighter jets were mistakenly targeted by Kuwaiti air defense systems.
All six aircrew members successfully ejected from their aircraft. Officials confirmed that each has been safely recovered and is in stable condition.
No fatalities have been reported.
Kuwaiti authorities have acknowledged the incident. U.S. officials expressed appreciation for the swift response and coordination of Kuwaiti defense forces, who assisted in the recovery of the aircrew and continue to support ongoing joint operations in the region.
The incident remains under active investigation to determine the precise sequence of events and contributing factors.
Defense officials stated that additional details will be released as information becomes available and operational security considerations permit.
NAKHCHIVAN, Azerbaijan — Authorities in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic reported that drones launched from the territory of Iran struck locations within the region on Thursday afternoon, damaging infrastructure and injuring at least two civilians, according to an official government statement.
The incident occurred on March 5, when two unmanned aerial vehicles entered Azerbaijani airspace and crashed at separate locations within the autonomous region.
Officials said one of the drones struck the terminal building at Nakhchivan International Airport, causing structural damage to the facility.
A second drone crashed near a school building in the village of Shakarabad.
Authorities confirmed that two civilians were injured in the attacks. The extent of their injuries has not been publicly detailed, but both individuals were reported to have received medical treatment.
In an official statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani government strongly condemned what it described as drone strikes originating from Iranian territory.
“We strongly condemn these drone attacks from the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which resulted in damage to the airport building and the injury of two civilians,” the statement read.
Azerbaijan said the attack on its territory violates international law and warned that such actions risk escalating tensions in an already sensitive regional environment.
“This attack on the territory of Azerbaijan is contrary to the norms and principles of international law and serves to increase tensions in the region,” the ministry said.
Following the incident, Azerbaijan summoned Mujtaba Darmichilu, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Azerbaijan, to the foreign ministry in Baku. Azerbaijani officials said a formal diplomatic protest would be delivered to the Iranian government demanding clarification regarding the incident.
The Azerbaijani government has also called on Iran to take urgent steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Officials added that Azerbaijan reserves the right to take appropriate retaliatory measures if necessary.
Authorities have not yet released additional technical details about the drones involved or whether they were armed or conducting surveillance. Investigations into the incident remain ongoing.