An American F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet was downed over the Red Sea in an apparent “friendly fire” incident, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) reported. Both crew members safely ejected, with one suffering minor injuries, according to the military. The incident, which highlights the volatile environment in the region, occurred amid heightened U.S. military activity targeting Houthi militants in Yemen.
Details of the Incident
The incident involved the USS Gettysburg, a guided missile cruiser within the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. CENTCOM revealed that the cruiser mistakenly fired on the F/A-18 Hornet, which was operating from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman.
In its statement, CENTCOM confirmed the incident but did not specify whether the downed fighter jet had participated in airstrikes in Yemen. “We are investigating the incident thoroughly to determine the root cause and prevent such occurrences in the future,” the statement read.
U.S. Strikes on Houthi Targets
The friendly fire episode coincided with a U.S. offensive targeting Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. According to CENTCOM, the strikes aimed to “disrupt and degrade Houthi operations” that threatened international shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.
The U.S. military said its assets, including Air Force and Navy F/A-18 jets, successfully neutralized multiple Houthi drones and an anti-ship cruise missile over the Red Sea. These actions were part of ongoing efforts to counter Houthi aggression in the region, which has escalated since late 2023.
Rising Houthi Threats
The Iran-aligned Houthi group, controlling northwestern Yemen, has intensified attacks on international and Israeli-linked shipping since the Gaza conflict erupted in October 2023. The group claims solidarity with Palestinians and has targeted vessels it alleges are associated with Israel, the U.S., or the UK.
Since November 2023, Houthi missile strikes have sunk two vessels in the Red Sea and damaged others. In response, the U.S., UK, and a coalition of 12 nations initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian to secure the region’s shipping lanes.
Regional Escalation
The Red Sea has become a hotspot of conflict, drawing international powers into the fray. On Saturday, Israel’s military reported an unsuccessful attempt to intercept a projectile launched by the Houthis, which struck a park in Tel Aviv. The missile injured 16 people, mostly due to shattered glass, while another 14 sustained minor injuries while seeking shelter.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it involved a hypersonic ballistic missile aimed at a military target. The group has vowed to continue such actions until the Gaza conflict ends.
U.S. and Israeli Responses
In retaliation, the U.S. launched strikes on Houthi military infrastructure, asserting its commitment to protecting its allies and regional stability. These strikes followed Israeli operations earlier in the week, targeting Houthi-controlled ports and energy facilities in Sanaa.
Houthi-run Al Masirah TV reported that nine civilians were killed in Israel’s strikes on the Salif port and Ras Issa oil terminal. The Houthis condemned the attacks, vowing to escalate their aggression.
Implications for the Region
The downing of the U.S. warplane underscores the dangers of operating in such a tense environment. The friendly fire incident, coupled with escalating Houthi threats and retaliatory strikes, reflects the Red Sea’s critical role in global maritime security and geopolitics.
As the situation unfolds, the U.S. and its allies remain committed to securing international shipping lanes while countering the Houthi threat. However, with the Houthis pledging continued attacks and regional tensions mounting, the risk of further incidents looms large.
