2 US pilots shot down over Red Sea in apparent ‘Friendly Fire’ incident
The United States military has reported that two Navy pilots were shot down over the Red Sea early Sunday in what has been described as a case of “friendly fire.” Both pilots were recovered alive, though one sustained minor injuries, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM).
Later on Sunday, Yemen’s Iran-backed Huthi rebels claimed responsibility for an attack targeting the USS Harry S Truman aircraft carrier the day before. They alleged their operation resulted in the downing of an F-18 aircraft and thwarted “American-British aggression” in Yemen.
Despite the Huthi claims, CENTCOM clarified that the incident was not caused by hostile fire. A full investigation is underway to determine the cause of the error.
The mishap occurred when the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg “mistakenly fired on and hit the F/A-18” fighter aircraft, which had launched from the USS Harry S Truman.
“This incident underscores the inherent risks of complex military operations in contested environments,” CENTCOM noted.
The United States has been actively involved in countering Yemen’s Huthi rebels for over a year. The Huthis, known for targeting merchant vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, have intensified their operations in the region.
US forces recently conducted strikes in Yemen’s rebel-held capital, Sanaa, targeting missile storage facilities. This was in response to a Huthi missile attack that injured people in Tel Aviv, Israel.
The Huthis claim their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, amidst ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas since October 7, 2023.
Written by Sakinat Musa Abubakar, Editor at Neptune Prime
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