In a startling development over the Red Sea on Sunday, two U.S. Navy pilots ejected safely from their F/A-18 fighter jet after it was mistakenly struck by friendly fire from the USS Gettysburg, a guided missile cruiser operating in the region. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the aircraft had just taken off from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman when the incident occurred. Both pilots were recovered, with one sustaining minor injuries.
The mishap occurred in the context of heightened tensions and ongoing operations involving U.S. and allied forces in the strategically vital region, which sees an estimated 12% of global trade passing through its shipping lanes daily. CENTCOM confirmed that a full investigation is underway, stating, This incident "was not the result of hostile fire."
The Red Sea has been a focal point for U.S. military operations aimed at safeguarding global shipping routes and responding to threats from Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Houthis have intensified their attacks on vessels and regional targets, claiming these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
On Sunday, Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for launching a missile at the USS Harry S. Truman, alleging it had led to the downing of an F-18. While CENTCOM denied that hostile fire was involved in the incident, it did confirm that warships and aircraft intercepted multiple Houthi drones and an anti-ship cruise missile in the same timeframe.
The Houthis have repeatedly targeted vessels and infrastructure linked to Israel and its allies. On Saturday, the group launched a ballistic missile at Tel Aviv, injuring 14 people and causing significant disruptions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed swift retaliation, declaring, "we will act against the Houthis... with force, determination and sophistication."
The escalation follows Israel's intensified military actions in Gaza since the October 2023 Hamas incursion, which killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and resulted in over 45,000 deaths in Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials. The Houthis have cited Israel's actions in Gaza as justification for their regional aggression, describing them as "massacres against our brothers in Gaza."
U.S. and British forces have conducted multiple strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, including command centers, missile systems, and radar facilities, in response to these attacks. The Pentagon's press secretary, Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, reaffirmed the U.S. stance, stating, "We will continue to make clear to the Houthis that there will be consequences for their illegal and reckless attacks."
