NBC News - U.S. fighter jet shot down by friendly fire over Red Sea
A US Navy F-18 fighter jet was mistakenly shot down by friendly fire from an American guided missile cruiser over the Red Sea. The incident occurred during operations against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The two pilots managed to eject safely and were rescued by US forces, with one pilot sustaining minor injuries. This friendly fire incident happened shortly after the US conducted additional strikes against the Houthis, who have been targeting Israel and international shipping. The Houthis claimed responsibility for shooting down the jet, but the US military denied this and announced a full investigation into the incident.
Key Points:
- US Navy F-18 shot down by friendly fire over the Red Sea.
- Incident occurred during operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen.
- Pilots ejected safely; one sustained minor injuries.
- Houthis falsely claimed responsibility for the downing.
- US military promises a full investigation.
Details:
1. 🚨 Friendly Fire Incident: Navy Jet Downed
1.1. Details of the Incident
1.2. Response and Recovery
1.3. Implications and Future Actions
2. 🛬 Pilot Recovery and Mistaken Identity
- An F-18 was part of a strike group conducting operations against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
- The aircraft was mistakenly shot down by the US, according to Central Command.
- The incident led to a complex pilot recovery operation, highlighting challenges in communication and identification during military operations.
- The mistaken identity incident underscores the need for improved protocols to prevent friendly fire and ensure accurate target identification.
3. 🛡️ Rescue and Aftermath: Pilots Safe
- Two pilots ejected safely after their aircraft was mistakenly targeted by a missile cruiser.
- The pilots were rescued by US forces, with one sustaining minor injuries.
- The incident occurred hours after US strikes against the Houthis, who have been targeting Israel and international shipping.
- The Houthis claimed responsibility for shooting down the F18, but the military denied this claim.
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