A U.S. Navy ship mistakenly shot down an American fighter jet over the Red Sea on Sunday, highlighting the risks for international forces fighting against Houthi attacks on cargo ships off Yemen’s coast. The incident occurred during a refueling operation and is considered friendly fire.
The pilot of the F/A-18 aircraft was safely recovered with minor injuries, according to Central Command. An investigation into the incident is underway. The jet had taken off from the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman when it was mistakenly fired upon by the guided-missile cruiser Gettysburg.
This incident comes as tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran remain high over Houthi attacks on shipping lanes. The U.S. military has been conducting airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen to secure international waterways, but these efforts have so far failed to halt the militia’s ability to strike targets beyond its control.
In recent weeks, Houthi attacks on Israel have increased, resulting in injuries and property damage. Israel responded with strikes of its own, targeting ports in Yemen controlled by the Houthis. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that the Houthis would face a “heavy price” for their attacks, hinting at potential consequences similar to those faced by other Iran-backed groups.
The incident is another concern for international forces operating in the region, where the risks of friendly fire are increasingly apparent.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/22/us/us-fighter-jet-red-sea.html