Dramatic video appears to show a Kuwaiti threatening to attack a downed US F-15 pilot with a metal pipe before finally realizing he is American.
The footage spread widely on social media shows a handful of locals screaming threats at the pilot, who is still attached to his parachute after his plane was one of those accidentally shot down by friendly fire.
“Back up, stop!” the pilot yells back as one of the group holds a metal pipe over his head, seemingly ready to strike as he walks toward him.
Video appears to show an F-15 pilot being threatened by a local after his plane was downed by Kuwait friendly fire. @sentdefender/X
The pilot seen kneeling on the ground. @sentdefender/XThe pilot then repeatedly yells at the group that he is American, at times getting down on his knees to show he is not a threat.
The group eventually seems to realize that he is not Iranian, lowering the pipe and dropping threatening stances.
A photo of the confrontation was flagged by Snopes as being enhanced by AI. However, the grainy footage is confirmed to have been filmed in Al Ahmadi, Kuwait, according to video-tracking experts Storyful, and also matches a clip of the same event verified by Reuters.
Three F-15E Strike Eagle jets, which cost around $31.1 million each, were downed by Kuwaiti friendly fire. All six crew members safely ejected from the planes and are stable.
Kuwait’s Defense Ministry has confirmed it’s coordinating with the US regarding the “circumstances of the incident.”
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US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Kuwait acknowledged the incident.
“During active combat — that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones — the U.S. Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses,” CENTCOM said.
“Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defense forces and their support in this ongoing operation.”
Footage has since gone viral showing another F-15 pilot beaming as she came face to face with a group of locals.
“You’re fine? Really?” a man shouted while sprinting over to the pilot. “You need something to help you?”
The pilot confirmed she was okay, while the man reassured her that she was safe.
“Thank you for helping us,” he said.
Six US service members have been killed in action as part of Operation Epic Fury, according to CENTCOM.
“It’s war and you have casualties in war,” President Trump said when probed by ABC journalist Jonathan Karl on Sunday.
