In a rare and unfortunate friendly fire incident, a US Navy F/A-18 Hornet was shot down over the Red Sea. The Central Command confirmed the event, emphasizing that both crew members ejected safely, though one sustained minor injuries. This mishap unfolded amidst ongoing military operations targeting Houthi forces in Yemen, underscoring the tense and high-stakes nature of the region’s conflict.
Friendly Fire Over the Red Sea
The US Central Command revealed that the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, part of the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, mistakenly fired on the fighter jet. The F/A-18 had been operating off the USS Harry S. Truman at the time. Central Command stated, “The guided missile cruiser mistakenly identified and engaged the aircraft.” However, it remains unclear if the downed jet had participated in recent operations in Yemen.
Airstrikes Against Houthi Targets
This incident occurred shortly after US forces conducted airstrikes in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. The strikes targeted missile storage facilities and command centers operated by Iran-backed Houthi militants. The US military stated that these operations aimed to “disrupt and degrade” Houthi attacks on shipping vessels and US Navy warships in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.
In addition to the strikes in Sanaa, US assets, including F/A-18 jets, intercepted and destroyed multiple Houthi drones and an anti-ship cruise missile over the Red Sea. These proactive measures highlight the escalating threat posed by the Houthis to international maritime operations.
Houthi Escalation and Regional Tensions
The Houthis, an Iran-aligned rebel group controlling northwestern Yemen, have escalated attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes since October 2023. They claim these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians following the outbreak of the Gaza war. Since November 2023, Houthi missile strikes have sunk two vessels and damaged others in the region.
The group often claims to target ships linked to Israel, the US, or the UK, though these assertions are frequently unsubstantiated. In December 2023, a coalition of nations, including the US and the UK, launched Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect shipping routes from these attacks.
Read: US Imposes Sanctions Amid Rising Houthi-Israel Escalations
Recent Strikes and Ongoing Threats
On Saturday, a Houthi-launched missile struck a park in Tel Aviv after Israel’s defense systems failed to intercept it. The attack resulted in 16 injuries caused by shattered glass and panic during evacuations. The Houthis claimed responsibility, stating they used a hypersonic ballistic missile to hit what they described as a military target.
Israel responded with airstrikes on Houthi military infrastructure, including ports and energy facilities in Yemen. These strikes reportedly resulted in nine casualties in the port of Salif and the Ras Issa oil terminal.
The Houthis have vowed to continue their assaults until the Gaza conflict ends. Meanwhile, the US and its allies remain steadfast in their commitment to safeguard international shipping and protect their interests in the region.
This friendly fire incident, coupled with the ongoing conflict, highlights the volatile and complex nature of operations in the Red Sea, where the stakes remain alarmingly high.
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