Two U.S. Navy pilots were shot down over the Red Sea on Sunday in what the U.S. military has described as a “clear case of friendly fire.” Despite being ejected from their aircraft, both pilots survived, with one sustaining only minor injuries. This incident highlights the increasing dangers of the Red Sea corridor, especially as attacks on ships by Iran-backed Houthi forces continue, despite the presence of U.S. and European military coalitions patrolling the area.
At the time of the incident, U.S. forces were conducting airstrikes targeting Houthi militants in Yemen. However, U.S. Central Command (Centcom) did not provide further details about the specific mission.
The downed F/A-18 had just taken off from the USS Harry S Truman aircraft carrier. On December 15, Centcom confirmed that the Truman had arrived in the Middle East but did not specify its position in the Red Sea region. According to Centcom, the USS Gettysburg, a missile-guided cruiser that is part of the USS Harry S Truman Carrier Strike Group, mistakenly shot down the F/A-18. The incident is currently under investigation.
This event underscores the high-risk environment in the region, particularly amid ongoing conflicts and military operations involving various international forces.
