US Navy Fighter Jet Downed Over Red Sea in Friendly Fire Incident
In a dramatic and rare mishap, a U.S. Navy F/A-18 fighter jet was accidentally shot down over the Red Sea by a friendly missile from the USS Gettysburg, a guided missile cruiser part of the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. Both pilots onboard the aircraft ejected safely and were quickly recovered, though one sustained minor injuries. The U.S. Central Command confirmed that the incident was not due to hostile fire, underscoring that it resulted from an operational error.
The event unfolded amidst heightened U.S. military activity in the region. Earlier, U.S. forces launched targeted airstrikes against Houthi-controlled sites in Yemen, aiming to neutralize missile storage and command facilities. These operations are part of a broader effort to safeguard international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, which have faced increasing threats from Houthi attacks since the Gaza war began in October 2023.
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The F/A-18 was conducting routine operations from the USS Harry S. Truman when it was mistakenly targeted. This type of incident, referred to as "friendly fire," is an uncommon but serious occurrence in military operations, often prompting comprehensive investigations. The U.S. Navy is conducting a full inquiry to determine the root cause and to implement measures to prevent such errors in the future.
This incident highlights the volatile and high-stakes nature of operations in the Middle East, where U.S. forces are actively engaged in countering threats posed by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The Houthis, who control significant parts of Yemen, have been targeting international and Israeli-linked vessels, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Their attacks have escalated in recent months, prompting coordinated efforts by the U.S., UK, and allied forces to protect vital maritime routes.
While the mishap is a setback, the prompt recovery of the pilots and ongoing missions signal the resilience of U.S. forces. The region remains a strategic focus for maintaining security and stability in one of the world's busiest waterways.
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