TAMPA, Fla. – At 11:03 p.m. ET, March 1st, three (3) U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire 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. All six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition. Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defense forces and their support in this ongoing operation. The cause of the incident is under investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) commenced Operation Epic Fury, Feb. 28, at the direction of the President of the United States. Ironically, the attack occurred on "9-11" according to the Islam calendar. U.S. and partner forces began striking targets at 1:15 am ET to dismantle the Iranian regime’s security apparatus, prioritizing locations that posed an imminent threat. Targets included Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, Iranian air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields. “The President ordered bold action, and our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen are answering the call,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM. Following the initial wave of U.S. and partner strikes, CENTCOM forces successfully defended against hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks. "Decapitated" is the word to describe the effort of the elimination of 59 Iranian regime top military officials, including Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, their Supreme Leader, ending his 36-year iron rule. Sadly, six (6) of our servicemen were killed and others severely wounded. Their names have not been released pending notification of next-of-kin. Eleven (11) Iranian war ships were reportedly sunk by US forces. Damage to U.S. installations was minimal and has not impacted operations. The first hours of the operation included precision munitions launched from air, land, and sea. Additionally, CENTCOM’s Task Force Scorpion Strike employed low-cost one-way attack drones for the first time in combat. Operation Epic Fury involves the largest regional concentration of American military firepower in a generation. (VET-NET addendum) As of the posting of this updated article, it has been reported that as many as 80 additional clerics were eliminated March 2nd as they held a meeting to select a new supreme leader.