&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Iran not involved? US confirms F-15 fighter jet crash in Kuwait but calls it 'friendly fire'")
Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, it has been confirmed on Monday (Mar 2) that an American F-15 fighter jet crashed in Kuwait, with the country’s Ministry of Defence adding that “several” US aircraft had gone down. The statement confirmed that the crews, including the pilot were evacuated and taken to the hospital for necessary medical care. It also said that technical measures were taken along with ”friendly" US forces after the incident. An investigation has been launched to determine the causes of the incident. A video showing an aircraft falling from the sky had gone viral earlier in the day, with claims that Iran has shot the F-15 jet. However, the statement by Kuwait did not name Iran, even as Mehr News reported that Iran has claimed responsibility for shooting the US F-15 jet down.
What is US response?
Hours after the incident and after Iranian claims, CENTCOM confirmed that three US F-15 fighter jets crashed over Kuwait, in an incident of that it described as “friendly fire.” “Three US F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident,” the US Central Command says in a statement. CENTCOM also said that during "active combat", the US Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses.” It also said that all six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition.
On social media, unverified videos are circulating that shows the pilot of teh American jet successfully ejecting before the aircraft went down. Another video also shows the pilot after ejecting. Notably, the image of the pilot was released by Iranian State Media on Telegram. In a post on Telegram, Press TV said, "American pilot after his fighter jet crashed in Kuwait".
US Embassy in Kuwait under attack?
Additionally, smoke was seen outside US Embassy in Kuwait, with reports claiming that it had come under Iranian attack. Soon after, the US Embassy issued a security alert urging the public to stay away, but it did not confirm or deny that it has been hit. “There is a continuing threat of missile and UAV attacks over Kuwait. Do not come to the embassy,” the statement said, adding that embassy personnel were sheltering in place.
West Asia on the boil
The United States and Israel bombed Iran on Feb 28, in an operation that was named Operation Lion's Roar by Israel and Operation Epic Fury by the US. The Western powers described the attack as “preemptive”. The attack came in midst of nuclear talks between Iran and the US. The attack also came eight months after Israel launched a 12-day war against Iran.
In retaliation, Iran launched missiles towards Israel and then attacked several US bases in Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain. On March 1, it was confirmed that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the attack by US and Israel. Iran retaliated with more force as several top leaders were killed in subsequent attacks. Iran said that US bases in neighbourhood are being seen as “American territory”, while Gulf nations warned Tehran against the attacks. As regional stability and peace vanished in thin air, Israel and the US said that attacks will continue for weeks.
