Kuwait says a navy soldier killed during ‘operation’ by armed forces

The Kuwaiti army said a navy soldier was killed on Monday during an “operation” by the Gulf country’s armed forces.

The army did not provide details on the circumstances of the soldier’s death.

Also on Monday, black smoke rose from the US embassy in Kuwait, while Kuwaiti air defenses mistakenly shot down US warplanes causing no casualties, as Iran pressed on with a third day of attacks against the Gulf.

A US base and a power station were also targeted, in what was the most dramatic escalation for the Gulf country in decades, after the 2003 US invasion of Iraq and Baghdad’s attempt to take over Kuwait in 1990.

Blasts also rang out over the Gulf cities of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha and Manama as Iran targets the Gulf countries after the killing of its supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes.

The embassy in Kuwait did not announce it had been hit but issued a security alert urging people to stay away.

“There is a continuing threat of missile and UAV (drone) attacks over Kuwait. Do not come to the embassy,” the statement said, adding: “US embassy personnel are sheltering in place.”

Three F-15E Strike Eagles were mistakenly shot down by Kuwait air defenses late on Sunday night, the US Central Command said.

“During active combat – that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones – the US Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses,” CENTCOM said Monday, adding that all six aircrew ejected and were safe.

“Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defense forces and their support in this ongoing operation,” it added.