U.S. Navy Pilots Eject After ’Friendly Fire’ Incident Over Red Sea
Two U.S. Navy pilots are recovering after ejecting from their aircraft over the Red Sea on Sunday, following a “friendly fire” incident that has raised concerns about military safety in the region. The pilots, associated with the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier, were affected amid ongoing U.S. military airstrikes targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen.
According to U.S. Central Command, the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg mistakenly shot down the F/A-18 Super Hornet, shortly after its takeoff from the Truman. The pilots were rescued, with one suffering only minor injuries. The incident highlights the increasing dangers of the Red Sea corridor, particularly as the Iranian-backed Houthis relentlessly attack merchant vessels amid heightened tensions following the recent Israel-Hamas conflict.
Central Command is yet to clarify the details surrounding the operation when the incident occurred, but it confirmed that significant military activities were taking place, including airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. This escalation follows a series of attacks by Houthi rebels who have targeted over 100 vessels since the onset of hostilities in Gaza in October 2023. Though the Houthis claim to target ships linked to the U.S. and allies, many victims of missile and drone assaults have minimal ties to the ongoing conflict.
The situation remains volatile, with military coalition operations increasing in the area, potentially leading to further retaliation from Houthi forces. Both the U.S. and several international naval forces continue to monitor the situation as tensions rise along critical maritime routes in the region.
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