Two U.S. Navy pilots were safely ejected from their fighter jet following an incident over the Red Sea on Saturday, which U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has classified as friendly fire. According to CENTCOM, the aircraft, an F/A-18, was mistakenly engaged by the USS Gettysburg, a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, while operating in coordination with the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman.
The pilots were successfully recovered, with one sustaining only minor injuries. CENTCOM has initiated a full investigation into the incident, which is not being attributed to hostile fire.
In a separate development, the Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for shooting down the F/A-18 and targeting the USS Harry S. Truman. They stated that their actions were a response to attacks by American and British forces on their drones and missiles. However, the Houthis have a history of making unfounded claims regarding attacks on U.S. warships in the region.
The U.S. Navy has maintained a robust presence in the area, particularly since the escalation of conflict in Gaza, as Houthi forces have targeted shipping routes in the Red Sea. Notably, the friendly fire incident coincided with U.S. airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, which included hits on a missile storage facility and a command-and-control site in Sana’a. The strikes utilized both Navy F/A-18 fighter jets and U.S. Air Force assets, although military officials indicated that the downed fighter jet was unrelated to these operations.
Furthermore, Houthi forces announced their intention to continue attacks against Israel and its allies until a ceasefire is established in Gaza. On the same day, they reportedly fired a hypersonic ballistic missile at an Israeli military target, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region.
In summary, while incidents of friendly fire are concerning and necessitate thorough investigations, the successful recovery of the pilots signifies the effectiveness of U.S. military protocols and readiness in a complex operational environment. The situation remains fluid, but it also underscores the ongoing geopolitical complexities in the Middle East and the regional dynamics at play.