WATCH: Purported video appears to show Kuwaitis thanking downed US pilot for battling Iran
An American pilot appeared to smile at Kuwaiti rescuers after being accidentally shot down by the country’s air defenses during military operations targeting Iran, according to video circulating online.
In the clip, the pilot can be seen smiling and standing steadily after apparently ejecting from her F-15 fighter jet following what officials described as a friendly-fire incident on Sunday.
“You’re fine? Really?” a man shouted while approaching the pilot. “Do you need something to help you?”
The pilot confirmed that she was OK before the man reassured her that she was safe.
“Thank you for helping us,” he said. The pilot then raised her hands as if to respond, “You’re welcome.”
WATCH: Video showing locals approaching one of the F-15 pilots who ejected over Kuwait pic.twitter.com/zMqVMfb6g4
— Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) March 2, 2026
The authenticity of the video has not been independently confirmed, but it is one of several clips that have surfaced online that appear to show some of the six U.S. service members who ejected after three F-15 jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses. U.S. forces confirmed that all six service members landed safely after ejecting.
The aircraft were “mistakenly” downed by Kuwaiti defenses, according to the United States Central Command. The incident occurred as Kuwait responded to Iranian strikes launched in retaliation for joint U.S.–Israeli attacks on Tehran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and more than 40 senior Iranian officials on Saturday.
Since those attacks, Iran has launched rockets and drones at U.S. interests and Western-aligned countries across the region. Meanwhile, U.S. and Israeli forces have continued their military campaign.
President Donald Trump warned that the effort to neutralize the Iranian regime could continue for several weeks.
At least six U.S. service members have been killed in the fighting so far, and the president cautioned that the number of casualties could rise as the conflict continues.
About Post Author
