FA-18 HORNET (FILE)
DUBAI (UAE): The US military shot down two naval pilots of FA-18 hornet jet of their own country over the Red Sea where they were on a mission to hunt Yemeni Houthi rebels.
However, the two pilots ejected from their plane and recovered after it was hit and brought down with one of them sustaining minor injuries, according to the US military. There were no further details.
The friendly fire incident however sent a shockwave among the military rank and file showing the danger the Red Sea corridor has become over the ongoing attacks on shipping by the Iranian-backed rebels despite U.S. and European military coalitions patrolling the area.
According to the US military, the FA 18 hornet was flying over an American ship in the Red Sea when a missile was fired to target and bring it down. The central command said that an investigation had been started into the incident.
