Barran Press
In a startling development, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on December 23, 2024, that an American F/A-18 fighter jet was shot down over the Red Sea on December 22. Preliminary investigations suggest the incident was the result of friendly fire.
According to CENTCOM, both pilots safely ejected from the aircraft and were rescued without serious injuries, although one crew member sustained minor wounds. The F/A-18 was operating from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier when it was accidentally fired upon by the USS Gettysburg, a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser that is part of the Truman strike group, which had entered the region just a week prior.
A thorough investigation is underway, with CENTCOM emphasizing that the incident was not due to hostile fire. This clarification comes amid repeated false claims by the Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen, alleging attacks on U.S. naval vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The friendly fire incident coincided with U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Sana'a, where the U.S. military struck missile storage and command facilities. During that operation, U.S. forces also intercepted several drones and a cruise missile.
Military officials clarified that the downed fighter jet was not involved in the strikes in Yemen.