TEHRAN: Multiple U.S. military aircraft have crashed in Kuwait, Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense said, while Iran confirmed that a U.S. F-15 fighter jet was shot down.
In a statement posted on social media, a spokesperson for Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense confirmed that several U.S. military aircraft had gone down in Kuwait. No cause of the crashes was provided.
It was stated that all crew members were safe. Search and rescue operations were launched immediately. Personnel were evacuated and transferred to hospital for medical examination and necessary treatment.
Iranian state media reported that a U.S. F-15 fighter jet was shot down by Iranian air defenses after allegedly violating Iranian airspace. The aircraft was said to have crashed in Kuwait.
The Iranian military said U.S. Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and vessels in the northern Indian Ocean were targeted. Missile units of Iran’s ground and naval forces were said to have carried out the strikes in recent hours. Fifteen cruise missiles were reported to have been used in the attacks.
Earlier, Russian media reported that a U.S. F-15 fighter jet had crashed in Kuwait. The pilot was said to have ejected successfully. Video circulating on social media showed flames trailing from the falling aircraft. The pilot was reported to have been taken to hospital with injuries.
The developments followed reported strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel on Saturday. In response, Iranian strikes were said to have targeted U.S. bases in Kuwait and other Gulf states.
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In its statement, the Iranian military said the U.S. military base in Kuwait had been rendered fully inoperative.
