An American F-15 fighter jet crashed in Kuwait, and footage of the incident quickly began circulating on social media. The pilot managed to eject safely, and after landing was helped by local residents who found him.

According to available information, the crash occurred in what is referred to as a "friendly fire" incident – a term used to describe accidental engagements between friendly or allied units. The footage shows the aircraft falling, followed by the pilot ejecting at the last moment.

Iran stated that it bears no responsibility for the downing of the aircraft, claiming its own forces shot down the F-15 over Kuwait. The United States, at the time of writing, had no official reaction to the incident, nor confirmed the nature of the event.

Kuwait is a key strategic location for the American military presence in the Persian Gulf, home to important military bases and logistics centres that serve operations in the region. In the context of the escalating conflict with Iran, the airspace over the Gulf is being used far more intensively than usual.

The F-15 is an American multi-role fighter jet of the fourth generation, which remains central to the air superiority of US forces. The crash video shows smoke and fire, but details of the exact circumstances of the incident are still being verified.