The United States military has clarified that the recent downing of two Navy pilots over the Red Sea was not due to “hostile fire,” after Yemen’s Houthi fighters claimed responsibility for the incident, alleging their attack on the aircraft carrier USS Harry S Truman led to the incident on Sunday.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that both pilots successfully ejected and were rescued, with one sustaining minor injuries. CENTCOM announced that a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the downing is currently underway, emphasizing that the aircraft had just launched from the USS Harry S Truman when the incident occurred.
In contrast, the Houthi rebels claimed to have targeted the U.S. carrier and asserted that their actions were part of a broader campaign against Israeli-linked vessels in the region. The group stated that their operations were conducted in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, amid ongoing conflict where significant casualties have been reported.
Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claimed the group launched several drones and cruise missiles against their targets. However, CENTCOM reported that U.S. and allied forces intercepted multiple Houthi drones and missiles before they could cause damage.
Amid these tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate against the Houthi rebels following a missile attack on Tel Aviv that injured several individuals. Netanyahu characterized the Houthis as part of an “Iran’s axis of evil” and pledged a strong response using “force, determination and sophistication.” This missile attack marked the second instance of Houthi strikes against Israel in one week, exacerbating ongoing conflicts in the region.
In response to the ongoing threats in the area, U.S. and British forces have targeted Houthi positions in Yemen, attempting to mitigate the risks posed by their attacks on international shipping routes crucial for global trade.
In summary, while the situation remains tense and fraught with dangers resulting from both Houthi and Israeli retaliatory actions, the focus on understanding and investigating the recent incident provides a ray of hope that military actions may lead to clearer protocols and safeguards in future operations. This scenario underscores the importance of communication and coordination among military forces in addressing threats while prioritizing the safety of personnel involved.