After the video of an F-15 operated by the United States Air Force reportedly crashing in Kuwait went viral on Monday, reliable Middle East reports claimed that the USAF has lost several "planes" amidst the war in Iran.
No US pilot was reported Missing In Action (MIA) or killed despite the loss of jets that cost millions of dollars each. The crews of all the lost planes were able to eject safely, leading Arab media reports said. Kuwait's official spokespersons have reportedly confirmed that the evacuated pilots are undergoing treatment at different medical facilities.
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However, the government stopped short of saying exactly how many USAF planes have been lost so far and how they crashed. Iran has been targeting US airbases across the Middle East using drone swarms and missile barrages ever since the Supreme Leader and several high-ranking officials were killed on Saturday.
"The spokesperson added that direct coordination was conducted with US forces regarding the circumstances of the incidents and that joint technical procedures were implemented. He stated that authorities are continuing investigations to determine the causes of the incidents, urging the public and media to rely only on information from official sources," Khaleej Times said in a report.
Iran and Iranian-backed militias fired missiles at Israel and Arab states, apparently hitting the US Embassy compound in Kuwait, while Israel and the United States pounded targets in Iran as the war expanded on Monday with statements of defiance and increasing casualties.
Kuwait's defence systems have already taken down multiple Iranian military drones and missiles.
The F-15 is a twin-engine tactical fighter jet designed for the US Air Force. The aircraft is known for its speed of up to Mach 2.5, long range, and heavy payload capacity.