TAMPA, Fla. — March 2, 2026 — Three U.S. Air Force F‑15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses late Sunday night during Operation Epic Fury, a major U.S.‑led military offensive in the Middle East, the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) confirmed.
The incident occurred around 11:03 p.m. ET on March 1 while the aircraft were supporting ongoing combat operations in Kuwait amid heightened regional tensions involving attacks by Iranian missiles, drones and aircraft. All six aircrew members successfully ejected and were recovered safely, with officials reporting that they are in stable condition. Kuwait has acknowledged the incident and assisted in recovery efforts.
What Is Operation Epic Fury?
Operation Epic Fury is the name given to the current joint U.S.‑Israeli military campaign targeting strategic military infrastructure and leadership in Iran. The strikes were launched in late February in response to ongoing threats from Tehran, including missile and drone attacks on U.S. and allied forces in the region. The operation has involved extensive use of aircraft, missiles and other weapons systems against Iranian targets and marks a significant escalation in U.S. military engagement.
The campaign — described by U.S. officials as one of the largest regional offensives in recent years — has included strikes on Iranian air defenses, command centers and missile launch sites, and has been accompanied by Iranian retaliatory attacks across the Middle East.
Casualties and Ongoing Combat
USCENTCOM has confirmed that three U.S. service members were killed and five others seriously wounded in the course of Operation Epic Fury, marking the first American combat fatalities in the campaign. Several additional personnel sustained minor injuries and are expected to return to duty.
The friendly fire incident involving the F‑15s underscores the complex and dynamic nature of the ongoing military operation. The exact cause of the friendly fire is under investigation, and additional details are expected to be released as they become available.
Major combat operations continue as U.S. forces remain engaged in the region in support of broader security objectives tied to the conflict
