In a significant mishap on Sunday, two U.S. Navy pilots ejected safely after their F/A-18 Super Hornet was mistakenly shot down over the Red Sea in an incident described by the U.S. Central Command (Centcom) as "friendly fire." This marks the most serious threat to U.S. forces amid more than a year of military operations targeting Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
The F/A-18, part of the “Red Rippers” strike fighter squadron 11 based in Virginia, had just launched from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier when it was struck by a missile fired from the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, part of the same strike group. Centcom confirmed the pilots were rescued, with one sustaining minor injuries.
The military has initiated an investigation to determine how the mistake occurred, especially given the advanced radar and communication systems linking ships and aircraft in such groups.
The incident highlights escalating risks in the Red Sea, where Iranian-backed Houthi forces have intensified attacks on shipping and military targets. The U.S. has increased its military presence in the region, conducting airstrikes and intercepting missiles and drones launched by the Houthis.
Centcom reported that during the same timeframe, its forces downed multiple Houthi drones and an anti-ship cruise missile, underscoring the heightened threat level. U.S. airstrikes also targeted Houthi-controlled missile storage and command centers in Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, and its port city of Hodeida.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for downing the F/A-18, describing it as a response to “American-British aggression.” Saree alleged that Houthi forces thwarted a coalition attack with missiles and drones. The Houthis have targeted about 100 merchant vessels since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, asserting that their actions aim to halt Israel’s campaign in Gaza.
Despite these claims, many targeted ships have had no direct ties to the conflict, and the attacks have also included vessels bound for Iran.
The incident underscores the dangers facing U.S. forces in the region, where ongoing attacks by Houthis threaten international shipping and stability. It also reflects the challenges of conducting operations in a high-stakes environment with split-second decision-making under hostile conditions.
The U.S. has sought increased UN powers to intercept shipments to Houthi-controlled ports, with special envoy Tim Lenderking calling for a change in the mandate of the UN Verification and Inspection Mission for Yemen.
As the investigation into the friendly fire incident continues, the mishap serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities and perils of operating in conflict zones.
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