Suspected US fighter jet crashes near Kuwait base during Iranian missile assault
By Sabiu Abdullahi
A fighter aircraft believed to be operated by the United States has crashed near a major American military installation in Kuwait amid Iranian missile attacks, deepening tensions across the Middle East.
Online footage that surfaced on Monday shows a military jet on fire before it descended rapidly and crashed in a desert area near the U.S. Ali Al Salem Air Base. The images show flames trailing from the aircraft as it lost altitude.
The video, later geolocated by CNN, indicates the aircraft went down roughly 10 kilometres from the facility.
Clips recorded by witnesses appear to show the jet losing stability in the air. Fire trailed from one of its engines before it entered a tailspin and fell toward the ground.
Initial reviews suggest the aircraft looks like either an F-15E Strike Eagle or an F/A-18 fighter jet. Authorities have not confirmed the exact type or ownership of the aircraft, according to CNN and The Telegraph.
Reports state that the pilot ejected safely and later received help from civilians at the crash site. There has been no official information on the condition of the weapons systems officer, who usually occupies the second seat in such jets.
Military authorities have not established the cause of the crash. Sources indicate that the aircraft may have been struck by an Iranian missile. Other possibilities include accidental fire from allied air defence systems or mechanical failure during combat operations.
The crash occurred at a time when Iran launched missile strikes against U.S. military targets in the region. The attacks marked a sharp escalation after recent confrontations involving American and Israeli forces.
U.S. officials have confirmed the first American deaths connected to the conflict. Three service members lost their lives, while five others sustained injuries in operations that started over the weekend.
President Donald Trump reacted to the fatalities and promised a response. He also warned that more casualties could occur as hostilities intensify.
Tensions increased further after Israel carried out strikes in Lebanon. Israeli authorities said the action followed cross-border attacks by Hezbollah after reports of the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
Officials in Washington and Kuwait have not issued a detailed statement on the aircraft incident. Investigations into the crash are ongoing.