Downing of second F-18; World’s astonishment, Washington’s horror at accepting military-technological defeat against Yemen

Pars Today – With the downfall of the second American F-18, Yemen, under the leadership of Ansarullah, has managed to challenge traditional rules of warfare despite an economic blockade, a lack of advanced equipment, and decades of war.
The crash of the second advanced F/A-18 Super Hornet in the Red Sea within less than six months was not just a “technical incident,” but rather a sign of profound transformation on the battlefield. 
According to Pars Today, this event, initially accompanied by Washington’s official narrative of “internal error” or “accidental fall,” has become a source for exposing contradictions in American military and media claims. 
Analysts and social media users, citing the laws of physics and field evidence, have rejected the U.S. claim and emphasized that the crash was the result of a direct attack by Yemeni forces. But why is Washington afraid of admitting this reality? The answer lies in the paradigm shift in warfare brought about by Yemen’s resistance.
1. Yemen’s resistance: From asymmetric warfare to redefining rules of engagement
Yemen, under the leadership of Ansarullah, despite an economic blockade, a shortage of advanced equipment, and decades of war, has successfully challenged traditional rules of combat. 
This group, using low-cost and innovative tactics such as drones, ballistic missiles, and surprise operations, has not only stood against the Saudi-Emirati coalition but has also achieved remarkable successes against the U.S. naval and air forces in the Red Sea.
– A new geopolitical map: By targeting commercial and military vessels linked to the U.S. and Israel in the Red Sea, Yemenis have effectively challenged control of one of the world’s most vital maritime routes for these two regimes. These actions have imposed heavy economic costs on the U.S. and its allies, demonstrating that even a local resistance group can bring a superpower like the United States to its knees.
– Technology vs. creativity: While the U.S. spends billions annually on advanced fighters like the F-18, Yemenis have created efficient defensive and offensive systems using Iranian-made missiles or reverse engineering. The crash of the second F-18 is yet another example that advanced technology is vulnerable to unconventional tactics.
2. Why is America afraid of admitting defeat?
a) Threat to military prestige: Acknowledging the crash of a $60 million fighter jet by Yemeni forces deals a heavy blow to the aura of invincibility surrounding the U.S. military. This not only weakens the morale of American soldiers but could also inspire other resistance groups in the region.
b) Media credibility crisis: Washington’s official narrative has always emphasized the “technological superiority” and “operational skill” of the U.S. military. Revealing an inability to counter a local resistance group challenges Western media and raises serious questions about the transparency of military reports.
c) Fear of escalating resistance: Accepting Yemen’s role in the F-18 crash essentially means recognizing the changing rules of war by Ansarullah. This could encourage other resistance groups to follow the Yemeni model, increasing the cost of U.S. military presence in the region.
3. Military analysis: Why has America’s strategy in Yemen failed?
a) Over-reliance on air power: For years, Washington has relied on airstrikes to contain Ansarullah, but a decade of war has shown that this approach is not only ineffective but has actually strengthened Yemeni resistance. 
Even American media has admitted that airstrikes have failed to diminish Ansarullah’s military capabilities.
b) Ignoring ground realities: The U.S. military and its allies view Yemen merely as a “proxy war” with Iran, while Ansarullah is deeply rooted in Yemen’s social and religious fabric and enjoys significant public support. Controlling large parts of northern Yemen, Ansarullah practically functions as a “state-nation” that cannot be destroyed by bombing.
c) Economic and political costs: Reports indicate that the cost of U.S. military operations in Yemen reached $1 billion in just three weeks, without any tangible results. Meanwhile, Yemenis inflict heavy damage on enemy infrastructure at minimal cost.
4. Strategic consequences: Redefining the balance of power in the Middle East
– Strengthening the Resistance Axis: Yemen’s successes not only bolster Iran’s position as the main supporter of the resistance front but also provide a model for groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas. This has increased concerns for the Zionist regime and its Arab allies.
– Weakening American hegemony: Washington’s inability to counter Yemen’s resistance highlights the gap between power claims and ground realities. This could lead to a reduction in U.S. influence in the region and push countries toward other players like Iran, China, and Russia.
5. Conclusion: A post-American world and the birth of a new resistance model
The crash of the second American F-18 in the Red Sea is not just a military event but a symbol of the transition to a new era of asymmetric warfare. Yemen’s resistance has proven that creativity, flexibility, and reliance on low-cost tactics can force superpowers into retreat. 
By continuing to deny this reality, America not only loses its self-proclaimed status as the “policeman of the American order” but also witnesses the rewriting of war rules by actors once deemed “weak.”
Footnote: As one social media user aptly noted: “The fall of the F-18 was not the image of a bird falling; it was the collapse of the prestige of a hollow superpower.” The question now is: Will Washington have the courage to admit this reality?
MG/BK