KUWAIT CITY (VINnews)-Three U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were shot down over Kuwait in an apparent friendly fire incident, U.S. Central Command said Monday, as American and Israeli forces continue strikes against Iran under Operation Epic Fury.

The jets were supporting the ongoing joint U.S.-Israeli operation against Iranian military targets when they were mistakenly engaged by Kuwaiti air defenses, CENTCOM said in a statement.

“At 11:03 p.m. ET March 1, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident,” the statement read. “During active combat — that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones — the U.S. Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses.”

All six aircrew members — two per aircraft — ejected safely, were recovered and are in stable condition, CENTCOM said. Kuwait has acknowledged the incident, and the U.S. expressed gratitude for the efforts of Kuwaiti defense forces in the recovery and their broader support for the operation.

The incident occurred amid heightened regional tensions following the launch of Operation Epic Fury, a coordinated U.S.-Israeli campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile arsenal, naval assets and proxy networks. The operation, announced late last week, has involved strikes on Iranian military and government sites, with Iran responding via aircraft, missiles and drones.

CENTCOM said the matter is under further investigation.

No additional details on the specific circumstances of the misidentification were immediately released. Kuwaiti authorities had earlier reported that several U.S. military aircraft had crashed in the country, without initially specifying the cause.

The downing marks the first reported loss of U.S. aircraft in the current conflict. President Trump has acknowledged potential for further U.S. casualties as operations continue.

VINnews is monitoring developments in the region.