The U.S. Navy's presence in Yemen faces a significant setback after losing a multi-million dollar aircraft during evasive maneuvers near the coast.
According to Reason, an F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet worth approximately $64 million fell overboard from the USS Harry Truman aircraft carrier while trying to escape from Yemeni missile and drone attacks in the Red Sea on Monday.
The incident resulted in minor injuries to one sailor while the rest of the crew emerged unharmed. This marks the second Super Hornet loss in the ongoing Yemen conflict, following a friendly-fire incident in December when the USS Gettysburg accidentally shot down one of its own fighters shortly after takeoff.
Growing casualties and costs in Yemen operations
The naval mishap adds to a series of recent U.S. military losses in Yemen. In January 2024, two Navy SEALs lost their lives after slipping and drowning during an attempt to board a vessel suspected of carrying Iranian missile parts to Yemen.
The financial impact of the Yemen campaign has been substantial. The first three weeks of operations alone cost American taxpayers $3 billion. During the initial night of U.S. air raids in January 2024, the Navy depleted an entire year's production of Tomahawk missiles.
Then-President Joe Biden acknowledged the operation's limitations, as quoted in a statement to reporters: "Are they stopping the Houthis? No. Are they going to continue? Yes."
Trump administration escalates military involvement
President Donald Trump resumed military operations in Yemen this March, promising to eliminate what he termed Houthi "piracy, violence, and terrorism." His national security adviser, Mike Waltz, pledged more aggressive action compared to Biden's approach.
The intensified campaign has resulted in significant civilian casualties. Reports indicate at least 158 Yemeni civilians have died from U.S. air raids since March 15. A recent U.S. bombing of an immigration detention center caused dozens of African migrant casualties.
The Wall Street Journal revealed that the U.S. is considering supporting a full ground invasion of Houthi territory by the rival Yemeni government in Aden, backed by the United Arab Emirates.
Nuclear talks amid regional tensions
The Yemen conflict intertwines with broader Middle Eastern issues, including the Israeli-Palestinian situation and Iranian nuclear negotiations. The Houthis initiated attacks on shipping and Israel in response to the Gaza war, pausing only during the ceasefire period.
Trump expressed optimism about ongoing U.S.-Iranian nuclear talks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reported satisfaction with the "serious and businesslike" negotiations, despite unresolved disagreements.
President Trump shared his outlook on the diplomatic efforts:
I think a deal is going to be made there. It's going to happen. Pretty sure it's going to happen. We'll have something without having to start dropping bombs all over the place.
Latest developments reshape Middle East dynamics
The USS Harry Truman incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by U.S. military operations in Yemen. The loss of the $64 million Super Hornet fighter jet occurred during defensive maneuvers against Houthi attacks, marking another costly setback in the region. As the Trump administration pursues diplomatic negotiations with Iran while maintaining military pressure on the Houthis, the complex web of Middle Eastern conflicts continues to demand significant American military resources and attention.
