Three United States F-15E Strike Eagles were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defence on Sunday, according to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), as tensions continued to mount across the Middle East.
CENTCOM said all six crew members aboard the three aircraft ejected safely and were recovered. They have been taken to hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.
“Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defense forces and their support in this ongoing operation,” CENTCOM said in a statement posted on X. The command added that the cause of the incident is under investigation and further details will be released when available.
The friendly-fire episode comes amid a series of security incidents across the region.
Oman’s Maritime Security Centre reported that an oil tanker was attacked by an explosive-laden boat about 52 nautical miles off the coast of the Muscat Governorate. One person was killed in the strike.
Meanwhile, Qatar’s Ministry of Defence said two drones struck energy facilities in the industrial city of Ras Laffan. No immediate details were released on casualties or damage.
In the eastern Mediterranean, sirens sounded at the United Kingdom’s Akrotiri base in Cyprus shortly after midday, according to Cyprus state broadcaster CyBC. The reason for the alert has not yet been officially confirmed.
The developments underline the rapidly escalating and volatile security situation across the wider Middle East, with multiple incidents reported within a short span.
