The US military shot down its own warplanes

 

The US military shot down its own warplanes.

US warplanes File photo: Reuters

On December 22, 2024, a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet was mistakenly shot down over the Red Sea by the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburgস in a friendly fire incident. The fighter jet was conducting a mission targeting Yemen's Houthi rebels at the time. Both pilots ejected safely; one sustained minor injuries. 

This incident underscores the heightened risks in the Red Sea region, where Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have intensified attacks on shipping lanes, disrupting global maritime trade. In response, the U.S. has increased military patrols and airstrikes against Houthi targets to safeguard international shipping and regional stability. 

The U.S. Central Command has initiated an investigation into the friendly fire event to determine the factors that led to the misidentification and subsequent downing of the aircraft. Such incidents, while rare, highlight the complexities and dangers inherent in military operations, especially in conflict zones with multiple actors and high tensions.