Reports initially suggested that Iran had carried out successive attacks on US fighter jets flying in Kuwaiti airspace, leading to multiple aircraft crashing. Kuwait’s defence ministry later said several US military aircraft went down on Monday morning.
In its statement, Kuwait said all personnel on board were safe, and that authorities immediately launched search-and-rescue operations. Injured US aircrew were recovered and admitted to hospital, where their condition was reported to be stable.
The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions following the reported killing of Iran’s leader Khamenei by the United States, with Iran said to be targeting military bases and embassies in countries including Dubai and Qatar. The Pentagon has said three US soldiers were killed in the attacks.
However, the US Central Command said the three fighter jets were not brought down by Iran, but were mistakenly shot down by Kuwait’s air defence system. Kuwait has acknowledged the error and said all those on board were rescued.
Kuwait also expressed thanks to Iran for assistance in the rescue effort, according to the report.
