A US Navy F/A-18 Hornet was mistakenly shot down over the Red Sea by the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, leaving one crew member injured in what officials have termed a “friendly fire” mishap.
In a statement issued by US Central Command, the incident was confirmed as an error during operations. Both crew members aboard the jet ejected safely, with one sustaining minor injuries.
“The guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg mistakenly fired on and hit the F/A-18,” the statement read.
The downing followed US airstrikes on Houthi militant targets in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. These strikes were aimed at disrupting Iran-backed Houthi operations that pose a threat to international shipping in the Red Sea and nearby regions.
It remains unclear if the downed jet was directly involved in the Yemen airstrikes. Reports indicate that the aircraft had been launched from a nearby carrier prior to the incident.
The Red Sea continues to be a focal point for military operations and regional tensions, with threats to shipping routes frequently escalating. Investigations are underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the friendly fire.
This incident underscores the risks associated with complex military operations in volatile areas, highlighting the need for enhanced coordination and safeguards to prevent similar occurrences.
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