In brief
A U.S. Navy F/A-18 fighter jet was shot down by friendly fire from a U.S. cruiser in the Red Sea, leading to an investigation as tensions with the Houthi militia escalate.
The U.S. military reported that a friendly fire incident occurred on Sunday when a U.S. Navy ship mistakenly engaged an F/A-18 fighter jet over the Red Sea. The pilot and co-pilot were safely ejected and rescued following the incident, with one sustaining minor injuries. Central Command confirmed the details and announced an ongoing investigation into the event. The aircraft had launched from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier, and it was fired upon by the USS Gettysburg, a guided missile cruiser, both of which are part of the Truman carrier strike group. This group was deployed to monitor tensions in the region, especially concerning the Houthi militia, which has been active in Yemen and targeting maritime assets in the Red Sea. The Houthis, backed by Iran, control significant portions of northwestern Yemen and have been conducting aggressive operations against shipping routes, asserting solidarity with Palestinian causes amid ongoing regional tensions. Just before the incident, the U.S. had launched airstrikes against Houthi missile facilities in Yemen and intercepted drones and anti-ship missiles over the Red Sea, showcasing the volatility in the area. The U.S. military aims to ensure safety in international waters amid these conflicts.
