Two US Navy pilots were shot down early Sunday over the Red Sea in what the US military has described as “an apparent case of friendly fire.”
Both pilots were safely recovered, although one sustained minor injuries, according to United States Central Command (CENTCOM).
The incident occurred during ongoing US operations to counter Yemen’s Iran-backed Huthi rebels, who claimed responsibility for targeting the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman.
In a statement on Sunday, the Huthis said their operation led to the downing of an F/A-18 aircraft and thwarted what they described as “American-British aggression” against Yemen.
CENTCOM, however, clarified that the downing was not due to hostile fire but resulted from a mistake by the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, which accidentally fired on the F/A-18 fighter jet.
A full investigation is underway to determine how the incident occurred.
The potentially disastrous mistake highlights the complexities and dangers of the mission to counter the Huthi rebels, who have targeted merchant vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden—waterways critical to global trade.
On Saturday, the United States carried out strikes on targets in Yemen’s rebel-held capital, Sanaa, including a missile storage facility.
The strikes came after a Huthi missile wounded individuals in Tel Aviv, Israel’s commercial hub. US forces also intercepted multiple Huthi attack drones and an anti-ship cruise missile over the Red Sea.
The Huthi rebels, aligned with Iran, have stated that their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, where a conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing since October 7, 2023.
This latest incident underscores the heightened risks for US forces operating in the region and raises questions about the coordination and communication within military operations.
The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden remain vital for global trade, and ensuring security in the area is a priority for US and allied forces.
As investigations continue, CENTCOM has reiterated its commitment to protecting international waters and countering threats from Huthi rebels.