ABC News - 2 Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in 'friendly fire' incident: Officials
A US Navy guided missile cruiser, the USS Gettysburg, accidentally shot down an American FA-18 fighter jet over the Red Sea. The incident occurred shortly after the jet took off from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier. Both pilots ejected safely, though one sustained minor injuries. The Navy has launched a full investigation into this rare friendly fire incident, which was not due to hostile fire. The carrier group is in the region to patrol and protect against threats from Iranian-backed Houthi forces, who have been targeting merchant vessels in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians. The US and European allies are working to secure the area, with recent US airstrikes targeting Houthi missile and command facilities.
Key Points:
- USS Gettysburg accidentally shot down an FA-18 jet over the Red Sea.
- Both pilots ejected safely; one had minor injuries.
- Incident is under investigation as a friendly fire case, not hostile fire.
- Carrier group is in the region to counter Houthi threats to merchant vessels.
- US and allies are conducting airstrikes to secure the Red Sea area.