As RedState’s Ben Smith reported earlier Monday, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down in what is being described as a friendly fire incident. Kuwaiti air defenses reportedly shot them down accidentally, but all six aircrew managed to eject safely, have been recovered, and are in stable condition.
Now, there are multiple photos and videos circulating on social media that claim to show the airmen during and after the incident. They have not been officially confirmed, but there are no “community notes” on the posts, and CENTCOM has not disavowed them.
Multiple reports indicate that at least some of the pilots were rescued by grateful Kuwaitis:
6 American Air Force soldiers crashed in Kuwait and safely ejected after a “friendly fire incident.” Kuwait mistook 3 US planes for Iranian aircraft.
— Marina Medvin 🇺🇸 (@MarinaMedvin) March 2, 2026
The pilots safety ejected and were assisted by locals.
Kuwait put out a statement saying that the pilots in stable condition.… pic.twitter.com/ZGIxqbpFMW
Kuwait put out a statement saying that the pilots in stable condition.
Of note — one of our pilots is a female and appears to be safe.
The 6 soldiers are still in Kuwait.
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Then there’s this priceless clip, which appears to show a grinning pilot being checked on by a concerned citizen who says, “You are safe. Thank you for helping us!"
🚨 WOW! Incredible moment as Kuwait local approaches downed US F-15 fighter pilot and says — "Are you fine? You are safe. Thank you for helping us!"
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 2, 2026
ALL downed US pilots and crew are now safe.
BLESS THESE HEROES! 🇺🇸pic.twitter.com/PxX6TwxEfQ
“This is the most wholesome video of a shot-down pilot I've ever seen,” wrote podcaster Noam Blum on X.
This is reportedly video of one of the jets crashing and two crewmembers parachuting to safety:
US fighter jets just crashed in Kuwait—pilots ejected, all safe and in hospital. Last thing we need is any of our guys in enemy hands. Keep ’em in your thoughts 🙏 pic.twitter.com/E1ECbp5E8L
— Mosab Hassan Yousef (@MosabHasanYOSEF) March 2, 2026
As you can see from the video of the crash, and from the fact that three aircraft were downed altogether, this incident could have ended up much worse. Sure, those planes are expensive, but thankfully, the pilots didn’t land in enemy territory. Doubtless, there will be investigations into what happened, but our servicemembers are fine, and that’s what’s important.
Other Kuwaitis were apparently willing to help as well:
BREAKING:
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) March 2, 2026
The U.S. F-15 fighter jet pilot who was down over Kuwait moments ago in a friendly fire incident is alive.
He ejected and is now being taken care of by a group of Kuwaitis pic.twitter.com/XhIZK5rUTW
Assuming that these photos and videos are real, they show that the efforts by the U.S. are widely appreciated, as also shown by the outpouring of celebrations around the world. Now, if only the Democrats were as supportive.
Editor's Note: For decades, former presidents have been all talk and no action. Now, Donald Trump is eliminating the threat from Iran once and for all.
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