Verified video shows a tense confrontation in Al Ahmadi, Kuwait, where a local man appeared to threaten a downed U.S. F-15 pilot with a metal pipe before realizing he was American.

The pilot, who had ejected after his jet was mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses, repeatedly identified himself and tried to show he was not a threat before the group backed off.

Three F-15E Strike Eagle jets were downed in the friendly-fire incident during active combat involving Iranian aircraft, missiles and drones, according to United States Central Command, and all six crew members safely ejected.

Kuwait’s Defense Ministry said it is coordinating with the U.S. on the circumstances of the incident, the New York Post has reported.

The losses occurred amid the broader conflict known as Operation Epic Fury, in which six U.S. service members have been killed so far.