In a shocking case of friendly fire, a US Navy fighter jet was mistakenly shot down by one of its own warships in the Red Sea on Sunday. The incident occurred during heightened military operations targeting Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Both pilots aboard the F/A-18 Super Hornet ejected safely, with one sustaining minor injuries.
The aircraft, which had just launched from the USS Harry S Truman aircraft carrier, was struck by a missile fired from the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, according to the US Central Command (Centcom). The Truman Carrier Strike Group had recently entered the Middle East as part of increased military activity in the region, though the exact mission parameters remain undisclosed.
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Escalation in the Red Sea
The Red Sea has become a volatile corridor amid ongoing attacks on merchant shipping by the Houthis. The rebels have reportedly targeted nearly 100 vessels since October, often using drones and anti-ship missiles in a campaign they claim is in solidarity with Gaza amidst the Israel-Hamas war.
US warships and aircraft have intercepted multiple Houthi-launched projectiles, including drones and cruise missiles, in recent weeks. The USS Gettysburg had been actively engaging such threats when it mistakenly targeted the F/A-18. Centcom has launched an investigation to determine how the advanced communication and radar systems aboard the Gettysburg failed to identify the friendly aircraft.
Increased Military Operations
This incident comes as the US escalates its campaign against Houthi missile sites and drone storage facilities. Over the weekend, American warplanes conducted a series of airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, including Sana’a and the port city of Hodeida. Centcom described the strikes as targeting critical infrastructure used for missile storage and command operations.
Houthi media confirmed the strikes but did not provide details on casualties or damage. The rebels also acknowledged the downing of the US fighter jet, highlighting the growing risks faced by American forces in the region.
Rising Threats and Challenges
The presence of the USS Harry S Truman and its battle group underscores the US commitment to securing the Red Sea, despite the heightened risks. Earlier this year, another carrier, the USS Dwight D Eisenhower, faced similar hostilities, with the Navy describing its deployment as the most intense combat operation since World War II.
The Red Sea corridor remains a flashpoint, with the Houthis targeting vessels linked to Israel, the US, and the UK. However, several neutral or unrelated ships have also been attacked, further complicating efforts to stabilize the region.
This incident marks the most severe friendly-fire case involving US forces in over a year, emphasizing the complexities and dangers of operating in contested waters. The outcome of the investigation will likely have significant implications for operational protocols in the region.
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