Two US Navy Seals who went missing during an operation to seize Iranian-made weapons – bound for Houthis in Yemen – are now presumed dead, the US military says.
The US Central Command also confirmed the tragic end to the search for two Navy SEALs who went missing off the coast of Somalia on January 11.
After an exhaustive 10-day search covering over 21,000 square miles involving teams from the US, Japan, and Spain, their status has been officially changed to deceased, as announced in a statement on Sunday.
“We regret to announce that after a 10-day exhaustive search, our two missing U.S. Navy SEALs have not been located, and their status has been changed to deceased,” stated CENTCOM. “Out of respect for the families, no further information will be released at this time.”
Navy Seals are members of a specialist maritime military force responsible for tasks including reconnaissance and carrying out covert operations.
The tragic incident occurred as the SEALs were boarding a vessel in pursuit of illicit Iranian weapons.
Due to eight-foot swells, one SEAL fell into the water, and the second jumped in after them according to protocol.
“We mourn the loss of our two Naval Special Warfare warriors, and we will forever honor their sacrifice and example. Our prayers are with the SEALs’ families, friends, the U.S. Navy, and the entire Special Operations community during this time,” Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, US CENTCOM commander consoled.
Houthi attacks
US Central Command (Centcom) said last week that warheads for Houthi medium range ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles, as well as parts for air defence systems, were among the items seized from a dhow – a traditional sailing ship – during the 11 January operation.
It added that initial analysis indicated the components were for missiles that have been used by the Iran-backed Houthis to target vessels travelling through the Red Sea recently.
The supply, sale, and transfer of weapons to the Houthis is considered a violation of a 2015 United Nations Security Resolution, as well as international law.
Dozens of vessels have been targeted in the Houthi attacks, leading hundreds of cargo ships and tankers to be rerouted around the southern tip of Africa to avoid the strikes.
The Houthis, who support Hamas, say they are only targeting vessels with connections to Israel which has attacked Gaza.
However, some of the ships they have hit have had no clear connection to Israel.
They have also begun attacking ships associated with the US and UK. The attacks started after both countries launched airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen in retaliation to the Red Sea attacks.
