Daijiworld Media Network - Kuwait City
Kuwait City, Mar 2: An American F-15 fighter jet reportedly crashed over Kuwaiti airspace on Monday morning as the ongoing US–Iran conflict entered Day 3, with hostilities intensifying across the Middle East.
Initial reports suggested that the pilot ejected safely before the aircraft went down. Videos circulating on social media purportedly show the pilot on the ground and later being given shelter inside a car. However, official confirmation on his condition is still awaited from US or Kuwaiti authorities.
The cause of the crash remains unclear. Early indications pointed to the possibility of friendly fire, with the jet allegedly engaged by a Patriot air defence battery. The Patriot system, developed in the United States, is designed to intercept ballistic missiles and hostile aircraft. In rare instances, factors such as radar confusion, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) malfunction, or communication breakdowns can result in friendly aircraft being mistakenly targeted.
The Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC) confirmed that debris from the aircraft fell inside the Mina Al Ahmadi refinery complex, injuring two workers. Emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the site to manage the situation.
Videos shared online appear to show the fighter jet descending rapidly before crashing. Separate footage also allegedly shows the pilot after ejecting, though the authenticity of the clips has not been independently verified.
No official statement has yet clarified the circumstances leading to the crash, and further details are awaited as investigations continue.