In a harrowing turn of events, two US Navy Seals, who disappeared during a mission to intercept Iranian-made weapons intended for Houthi rebels in Yemen, are now presumed dead. The incident unfolded on January 11, as commandos were attempting to board a ship off the Somali coast.
According to media reports, the first Seal was swept away during the night mission while boarding an unflagged traditional sailing ship known as a dhow, where the weapons were discovered. In adherence to their training, the second Seal entered the water in an attempt to rescue their comrade.
The US Central Command is currently making efforts to recover the bodies of the missing Seals. General Michael Erik Kurilla, the head of Central Command, expressed deep sorrow, stating, “We mourn the loss of our two Naval Special Warfare warriors, and we will forever honor their sacrifice and example.”
A ten-day search, covering an extensive area of more than 21,000 square miles, involved air and naval units from the US, Japan, and Spain. Oceanographers and meteorologists contributed to the search efforts, but sadly, the missing Seals were not found.
US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin conveyed condolences to the families of the fallen Seals, emphasizing the united sorrow within the Department of Defense. He wrote on X, “The entire Department is united in sorrow today. We are grateful to all who worked tirelessly to try to find and rescue them.”
Last week, Centcom reported that the intercepted items included warheads for Houthi medium-range ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles, along with parts for air defense systems. The weapons were linked to recent Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Supplying weapons to the Houthis violates a 2015 United Nations Security Resolution and international law.
The Houthis, with backing from Iran, have targeted numerous vessels in the Red Sea. This has prompted the rerouting of cargo ships and tankers around the southern tip of Africa to avoid the strikes. In retaliation for the Red Sea attacks, the US and UK launched airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen. The conflict escalated, with the Houthis expanding their attacks to include ships associated with the US and UK.
Both the US and the UK emphasize that they are not seeking conflict with the Houthis but are committed to protecting international trade routes. The tragic loss of the two Navy Seals adds a somber note to the escalating tensions in the region.