The U.S. military has ended its search for two Navy SEALs who went missing during a mission in the Arabian Sea to intercept Iranian weapons headed for Yemen, U.S. Central Command (Centcom) said Sunday.
“After an intensive 10-day search, we are disappointed to announce that two missing U.S. Navy SEALs have not been located and their status has been changed to deceased,” the command said in a statement.
“Search and rescue operations for two Navy SEALs who were reported missing while aboard an illegal dhow carrying Iranian advanced conventional weapons concluded on January 11th, and efforts are currently underway to recover them. ” announced.
MAP shows the coastline and disputed areas of Kenya and Somalia. U.S. officials said Navy ships and planes were scouring areas in the Gulf of Aden in search of two missing U.S. Navy SEALs as details of the mission emerged. Days earlier, SEALs had boarded and attempted to hijack a ship carrying parts for an Iranian intermediate-range ballistic missile bound for Somalia.
“We mourn the loss of two Naval Special Warfare warriors and will forever honor their sacrifice and example. Our prayers are with the SEALs' families and friends, the U.S. Navy, and the entire special operations community during this time.” ,” said Centcom commander Maj. Gen. Michael Kurilla.
According to the Associated Press, SEALs took part in a raid on an unflagged ship that was transporting illegal Iranian weapons to Houthi forces in Yemen. Officials told the program that one SEAL fell into the water while on board, and another SEAL followed to rescue him.
CENTCOM Situation Update on Missing U.S. Navy SEALs
We regret to announce that after an exhaustive 10-day search, two missing U.S. Navy SEALs have not been located and their status has been changed to deceased. A search and rescue operation of two Navy SEALs was reported… pic.twitter.com/OAMbn1mwK8
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 21, 2024
The two began their mission while Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was still in the hospital being treated for complications from prostate cancer surgery.
They were boarding a small special operations combat boat launched from the USS. Lewis B. Pulleris a mobile maritime base, officials said. They were supported by drones and helicopters.
Centcom said the mission was carried out at night near the coast of Somalia. During the mission, the SEALs seized Iranian-made ballistic and cruise missile parts. The seized items include propulsion systems, guidance systems, and warheads for medium-range ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles, which the Houthis are using to target U.S. forces and commercial ships in the Red Sea. I've done it.
Centcom announced on January 16 that the mission was “the first seizure of deadly advanced conventional weapons (ACW) supplied by Iran against the Houthis since the Houthis began attacks on commercial ships in November 2023.” “I did,” he announced.
This undated photo released by U.S. Central Command shows what is believed to be a ship carrying Iranian missile parts to Yemen's Houthis in the Arabian Sea. U.S. Navy SEALs have seized Iranian missile parts and other weapons from a ship bound for Yemen's Houthi rebels, where two suicide bombers went missing. (U.S. Central Command via AP)
“This seizure marks the first seizure by the U.S. Navy of advanced Iranian ballistic missiles and cruise missile components since November 2019. Direct or indirect arms supply, sale, or transfer to Yemen’s Houthis is prohibited. , in violation of United Nations Security Resolution 2216 and international law,” it added.
The U.S. Navy then sank the unflagged ship and captured the 14 crew members. “The disposition of the 14 dhow crew members has been decided in accordance with international law,” the statement said.
“It is clear that Iran continues to transport advanced lethal aid to the Houthis,” Kurilla said of the seizure. This is yet another example of how Iran is actively sowing instability throughout the region, in direct violation of UN Security Resolution 2216 and international law. ”
“We will continue to work with our regional and international partners to detect and disrupt these efforts and ultimately restore freedom of navigation,” he said.
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