KUWAIT — Three U.S. fighter jets were shot down in a friendly fire incident over Kuwait during active combat operations, with video showing the aircraft falling from the sky in flames as pilots eject mid-air.

The incident occurred early Monday local time as U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles were operating in the region amid ongoing attacks involving Iranian missiles, drones, and aircraft. According to U.S. Central Command, Kuwaiti air defenses mistakenly engaged the jets during the chaos.

All six crew members ejected and were later recovered alive, with officials confirming they are in stable condition.

Footage circulating online, geolocated to the Al Jahra area, captures one jet spiraling downward before crashing, while another clip shows a pilot descending by parachute. Additional video shows one of the airmen being assisted by civilians on the ground shortly after landing.

Military officials confirmed the aircraft were not brought down by enemy fire, and Kuwait has acknowledged the incident while launching an investigation.

The shootdown highlights the intensity and confusion of the rapidly escalating conflict across the Middle East, where multiple simultaneous attacks have increased the risk of misidentification and friendly fire incidents.