On Sunday, two US Navy pilots were shot down over the Red Sea. The incident occurred as a result of "friendly fire". This was reported by the Associated Press with reference to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), UNN reports.
Details
It is noted that the F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft, which was based on the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier, was accidentally hit by the USS Gettysburg missile cruiser from the same strike group. Both pilots ejected in time and were rescued, although one of them suffered minor injuries. "The missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, part of the strike group of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, mistakenly opened fire on the F/A-18 fighter and hit it," the Central Command said.
CENTCOM noted that U.S. forces had previously shot down drones and missiles launched by the Houthis, who pose a constant threat. Hasty decision-making in a high-stress environment likely led to this mistake.
The publication also emphasizes that the downing of the US fighter jet underscores how dangerous the Red Sea corridor has become due to ongoing attacks on shipping by Iranian-backed Houthis.
Recall
The Israeli military conducted targeted strikes on Houthi positions in western and central Yemen. Ports, energy infrastructure and military facilities were attacked after a missile was intercepted from Yemen.