Two US Navy Pilots Survive 'Friendly Fire' Incident Over Red Sea

Two US Navy pilots escaped safely after their F/A-18 Super Hornet was mistakenly shot down by the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg during military operations over the Red Sea, according to US Central Command. 

The event occurred while the fighter, belonging to the "Red Rippers" of Strike Fighter Squadron 11, had just taken off from the USS Harry S. Truman.

The Gettysburg apparently fired on the aircraft amid high regional activity, with Iranian-backed Houthi rebels launching missiles and drones at shipping and military boats. Central Command acknowledged that prior attacks had given sailors barely seconds to respond, which contributed to the error.

Both pilots were found alive, with one suffering minor injuries. The event highlights the growing hazards in the Red Sea region, where Houthi rebels have increased their attacks on trade and military vessels.

US military have expanded their airstrikes on Houthi-controlled Yemen, targeting missile storage and command centers. The rebels, claiming to be responding to Israel's operations in Gaza, have launched drones and missiles at commercial boats, many of which have little to do with the conflict.

The heightened tensions in the Red Sea reflect the intricacies of ongoing regional wars, with US and European alliances patrolling the area to protect maritime security in the face of constant threats.

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