Military officials have confirmed the deaths of two US Navy Seals, who went missing 10 days ago in the Gulf of Aden while on a mission focused on intercepting Iranian weapons being sent to Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The Seals were reported missing following the operation, conducted on January 11 near the coast of Somalia. The specifics of the mission were not initially disclosed by the US Central Command (Centcom).
Centcom commander General Michael Erik Kurilla expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the two Navy Special Warfare members, acknowledging their sacrifice and legacy. He extended condolences to the families, friends, the US Navy, and the Special Operations community.
An extensive search, spanning over 21,000 square miles of ocean, was conducted for the Seals. This effort involved the US, Spain, and Japan, along with support from various meteorological, oceanographic, and naval research organizations. The mission is now considered a recovery operation, as stated by Centcom.
The January 11 operation aimed to intercept an unflagged vessel carrying illegal Iranian weapons to the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
During the boarding of the ship, one Seal was overwhelmed by the rough seas, prompting his teammate to attempt a rescue.
The mission was launched from the USS Lewis B Puller, with support from drones and helicopters. The Seals approached the target using special operations combat craft.
The raid resulted in the seizure of various Iranian-made weapons, including components for cruise and ballistic missiles, air defense parts, propulsion and guidance systems, and warheads.
This operation is part of ongoing efforts by the US Navy and allies to intercept weapon shipments to the rebels, who have been involved in attacks affecting global trade in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The US Navy ultimately sunk the intercepted vessel, deeming it unsafe, and detained its 14 crew members.
