Two US Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in apparent ‘friendly fire’: US military
The Red Sea witnessed a dramatic incident on Sunday when two U.S. Navy pilots were shot down in what appeared to be a case of “friendly fire”, according to the U.S. military. The pilots managed to eject from their aircraft and were found alive, with one sustaining minor injuries.
This unfortunate event highlights the ongoing dangers in the Red Sea corridor, particularly due to attacks on shipping by the Iranian-backed Houthis. Despite the presence of U.S. and European military coalitions patrolling the area, incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the risks involved.
The U.S. military had been conducting airstrikes targeting Yemen’s Houthi rebels at the time of the incident, although specific details about their mission were not disclosed by U.S. Central Command.
The aircraft involved in the incident was identified as a two-seat F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet assigned to the “Red Rippers” of Strike Fighter Squadron 11 based out of Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia. The F/A-18 had just taken off from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier before being mistakenly targeted by the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, which is part of the same carrier strike group.
It remains unclear how the USS Gettysburg mistook the F/A-18 for an enemy aircraft or missile, especially considering the advanced radar and communication systems typically utilized by ships in a battle group.
In response to previous Houthi threats, U.S. warships and aircraft had successfully intercepted multiple Houthi drones and an anti-ship cruise missile. The U.S. military has increased its airstrikes targeting the Houthis and their activities in the Red Sea region, but these actions could potentially provoke further retaliatory attacks from the rebels.
Recent airstrikes by U.S. warplanes in Yemen targeted Houthi positions in the capital city of Sanaa and around the port city of Hodeida. While the strikes were aimed at disrupting Houthi operations, details regarding casualties or damage were not immediately disclosed.
The Houthis have been actively engaging in attacks on merchant vessels in the region, with around 100 incidents reported since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The rebels claim to target ships associated with Israel, the U.S., or the U.K. in an attempt to end the conflict in Gaza. However, many of the targeted vessels have little to no connection to the ongoing conflict.
The Houthis have also escalated their attacks on Israel, leading to retaliatory airstrikes from Israeli forces. The situation in the region remains tense and unpredictable, with various military forces navigating complex geopolitical dynamics.
As the Red Sea continues to be a hotspot for military activities and potential threats, it is essential for all parties involved to exercise caution and communication to prevent further incidents of “friendly fire” and unintended consequences.
