In a rare and alarming mishap, a US Navy F/A-18 Hornet was mistakenly shot down over the Red Sea in a “friendly fire” incident, according to a statement from US Central Command.
The two crew members ejected safely, with one sustaining minor injuries.
The downing occurred after the United States conducted airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi militant targets in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa.
These strikes aimed to disrupt Houthi operations threatening international shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding areas, particularly targeting drones and missiles used against US Navy warships and merchant vessels.
Central Command confirmed that the fighter jet was struck by a missile fired from the USS Gettysburg, a guided missile cruiser operating as part of the USS Harry S Truman Carrier Strike Group.
The jet had been launched from the aircraft carrier itself, though it is unclear whether it was involved in the Yemen operation at the time of the incident.
“The guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg mistakenly fired on and hit the F/A-18,” the statement read, describing the incident as a “friendly fire” error.
The incident followed a series of US strikes in Sanaa, targeting Houthi missile storage sites, command facilities, and multiple one-way attack drones. The US military said it also intercepted and destroyed an anti-ship cruise missile over the Red Sea.
The Houthis, an Iran-backed rebel group controlling northwestern Yemen, have been attacking international shipping in the Red Sea since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. Claiming solidarity with Palestinians, the group has launched numerous attacks, including sinking two vessels and damaging others since November.
The Red Sea has become a flashpoint in recent months, with the Houthis escalating their strikes on international vessels. While the group often claims to target Israeli, US, or UK-linked ships, analysts say many of their attacks hit neutral shipping.
The US, UK, and 12 other nations responded by launching Operation Prosperity Guardian to safeguard Red Sea shipping lanes. Despite these measures, the Houthis remain undeterred, vowing to continue their attacks until the war in Gaza ends.
On Saturday, a missile launched from Yemen struck a park in Tel Aviv after Israel’s defense systems failed to intercept it. Israeli emergency services reported treating 30 people for minor injuries. The Houthis claimed the strike targeted a military installation using a hypersonic ballistic missile.
Earlier in the week, Israel retaliated with strikes on Houthi military targets, including ports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa. The Houthi-run Al Masirah TV reported that nine people were killed in attacks on the Salif port and Ras Issa oil terminal.
The US says its operations, including the latest airstrikes, are part of its commitment to defend itself and its allies against Houthi aggression. However, the “friendly fire” incident highlights the complexities and risks of operating in such a volatile environment.
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