US 'mistakenly shot' two of its pilots over the Red Sea

(CLO) Two US Navy pilots survived after their fighter jet was shot down by the US military over the Red Sea on Sunday.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the F/A-18 Super Hornet, a two-seat fighter jet of the US Navy, was shot down by the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (part of the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier strike group) while flying over the Red Sea.

The plane had just taken off from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman. Both pilots ejected and were rescued, one with minor injuries.

The incident, which was confirmed to be a result of mistaken fire and not hostile action, comes as US ships and aircraft have been involved in airstrikes against Houthi targets, a rebel group in Yemen.

Guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg. Photo: BAE Systems

Immediately after the incident, CENTCOM launched a comprehensive investigation to clarify the cause and propose corrective measures. However, the Command did not provide further details on the technical factors that may have led to this confusion.

US military officials said the incident may have been related to target identification in complex battlefield conditions. The USS Gettysburg and other ships in the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier strike group were operating in the Red Sea, where many other ships and aircraft were present.

Although US warships have radar and radio communication systems to ensure coordination within the group, confusion can occur due to the tense situation and the number of different targets.

Some military experts say that when warships face hostile fire from the Houthis, identifying targets can be difficult, leading to confusion between one's own aircraft and enemy targets.

Previously, the USS Gettysburg and other ships in the strike group participated in operations to intercept Houthi missiles and drones, further increasing the level of tension and the possibility of misidentification.

The accidental fire incident occurred alongside other US military operations in the region, including airstrikes against Houthi targets.

The rise in tensions in the Red Sea region, particularly as Houthi forces target Western vessels, has put US military forces on high alert.

Hoai Phuong (according to NPR, CNN, ABC News)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/my-ban-nham-hai-phi-cong-cua-minh-tren-bien-do-post326913.html