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U.S. Pilots Return to Combat After Friendly Fire Incident

4/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that three Air Force captains, previously shot down by Kuwaiti friendly fire, have resumed combat missions in Iran.
The incident occurred during an Iranian attack involving aircraft, drones, and missiles, but all six crew members of the downed F-15E Strike Eagles ejected safely.
Hegseth highlighted the pilots' commitment to their mission and awareness of the threat posed by Iran.
U.S. Central Command reported that Iran's military capabilities have significantly degraded, with over 11,000 targets struck in the past month during Operation Epic Fury.
The friendly-fire incident is still under investigation.

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Story summary

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that three Air Force captains, previously shot down by Kuwaiti friendly fire, have resumed combat missions in Iran.
The incident occurred during an Iranian attack involving aircraft, drones, and missiles, but all six crew members of the downed F-15E Strike Eagles ejected safely.
Hegseth highlighted the pilots' commitment to their mission and awareness of the threat posed by Iran.
U.S. Central Command reported that Iran's military capabilities have significantly degraded, with over 11,000 targets struck in the past month during Operation Epic Fury.
The friendly-fire incident is still under investigation.