Shocking Revelation: US Army Admits Deadly Friendly Fire Incident Over Red Sea – What Really Happened?

The US military has stated that the incident was not caused by hostile fire, contradicting claims by Yemen’s Houthi group that their attack on a US carrier was responsible for downing the aircraft.

By Sheenu Gupta On Dec 23, 2024 Share with new partner:

The United States military has reported that two Navy pilots were shot down over the Red Sea in what appears to be a tragic “friendly fire” incident. On Sunday, Yemen’s Houthi fighters claimed responsibility for an attack, stating that they had “targeted” the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman the day before. The Houthis further alleged that their operation led to the downing of an F-18 fighter jet.

However, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) clarified that the aircraft was struck early on Sunday, resulting in both pilots ejecting from the jet. Fortunately, both pilots were successfully recovered alive, although one sustained minor injuries. The incident, while still under investigation, has been described as unrelated to the claims made by the Houthis, with no evidence of hostile fire contributing to the downing of the aircraft.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the incident involving the downing of the US Navy aircraft was not caused by hostile fire, stressing that a comprehensive investigation is underway. According to CENTCOM, the aircraft had just taken off from the deck of the USS Harry S. Truman when it was struck.

The Houthis, who have been known to target ships with links to Israel in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden—key waterways for global trade—claimed responsibility for the attack. They explained that their actions were part of a broader campaign in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The group described their attacks as a response to Israel’s ongoing military actions, which they have characterized as genocidal and have resulted in the deaths of over 45,000 people in Gaza over the past year.

In a video statement, Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree elaborated on the offensive, stating that it included the launch of eight drones and 17 cruise missiles, further intensifying the group’s efforts in the region.

CENTCOM reported that, in response to the Houthi attack, US warships and aircraft had successfully intercepted and shot down several drones launched by the Yemeni rebels, as well as an anti-ship cruise missile. These actions were part of the ongoing efforts by US forces to defend against Houthi threats in the region, highlighting the escalating tensions in the Red Sea and surrounding areas. The interception of these projectiles occurred prior to the incident involving the downing of the US Navy aircraft.

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to take retaliatory action against the Houthi rebels after they launched a missile at Tel Aviv. Netanyahu warned that Israel would target what he referred to as the last remaining element of “Iran’s axis of evil.”

The missile strike, which occurred early on Saturday, hit Israel’s commercial center and was claimed by the Houthis. The attack injured 16 people and prompted widespread evacuations as residents fled their homes in response to the pre-dawn assault.

In a video statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel would respond to the Houthi rebels with “force, determination, and sophistication,” similar to their actions against Iran’s “axis of evil.” This statement came after the Houthis launched a missile at Tel Aviv on Saturday, marking their second attack on Israel within the same week and one of several since the onset of the Gaza conflict.

In retaliation, US and British forces have frequently targeted Houthi positions in Yemen, particularly in response to the rebels’ attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Israel, too, has previously struck Houthi positions, including targeting ports and energy infrastructure, following rebel assaults on its territory. The most recent Israeli airstrike against the Houthis occurred on Thursday, with Israeli warplanes bombing the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, for the first time.