An operation in the Red Sea drew attention this week when a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet was mistakenly shot down by a U.S. destroyer. The incident occurred as the U.S. ramped up actions against Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen.
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Tragic Error: F/A-18 Downed
During an operation in the Red Sea, a U.S. guided-missile destroyer mistakenly shot down an F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet.
Both pilots successfully ejected and were quickly rescued. They suffered only minor injuries, according to official reports.
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CENTCOM Launches Strikes Against Houthis
Simultaneously, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) launched a series of airstrikes against strategic Houthi targets in Yemen. The operations aimed to destroy missile storage facilities and command-and-control centers in Houthi-controlled areas of Sanaa.
The strikes are part of efforts to counter increasing threats posed by the Houthis, including attacks on merchant and military vessels in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and Gulf of Aden.
During the offensive, U.S. forces also shot down multiple Houthi kamikaze drones and an anti-ship cruise missile. The operations involved U.S. Navy and Air Force aircraft, including F/A-18 fighter jets.
In a statement, CENTCOM emphasized that these actions reflect the U.S.’s commitment to protecting its forces, regional allies, and international shipping lanes from escalating threats.
The Biden administration has not yet officially commented on the accidental shootdown, but the incident is already sparking debate over U.S. military strategies in the region.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons. Source: U.S. CENTCOM / X @nicksortor. This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.
