US Fighter Jet Incident in the Red Sea
On December 22, 2024, a U.S. Navy F/A-18 fighter jet was shot down over the Red Sea in what the military has described as an incident of 'friendly fire.' The jet, which had taken off from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, was mistakenly struck by a missile fired from the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg. Fortunately, both pilots aboard the aircraft survived the incident, with initial reports indicating that one pilot sustained minor injuries.
Investigation into Friendly Fire
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the incident was not due to hostile enemy fire and has initiated a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the friendly fire. This incident underscores the complexities and risks associated with military operations in the region, particularly as the U.S. is engaged in a multinational naval coalition aimed at countering threats from Houthi rebels off the coast of Yemen. The coalition has been responding to a series of attacks by the rebels, who have targeted vessels they believe are linked to Israel amid ongoing tensions in the region.
Context of Houthi Attacks and U.S. Military Response
The Houthi rebels, who control significant portions of Yemen and are supported by Iran, have been actively targeting shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These attacks have escalated in recent months, prompting the U.S. military to conduct strikes against Houthi military installations in Yemen. Just hours before the friendly fire incident, the U.S. reported successfully intercepting Houthi drones and cruise missiles over the Red Sea, highlighting the ongoing conflict and the precarious nature of military operations in this vital maritime area.
