U.S. Central Command announced Sunday that the search for two U.S. Navy SEALs who went missing off the coast of Somalia earlier this month has been called off.
The SEALs were on a mission to track shipments of Iranian weapons destined for Yemen's Houthi rebels. U.S. officials previously confirmed to Fox News Digital that the SEALs were attempting to board a ship suspected of being falsely flagged for possible arms smuggling.
Two special forces members were climbing a ship's ladder during a mission in the Gulf of Aden when high waves caused one to fall into the sea. As part of Navy SEAL protocol, a second SEAL followed the first to jump in to help his distressed partner, and both men were lost.
Centcom said in a statement, “After a 10-day exhaustive search, we regret to announce that the two missing U.S. Navy SEALs have not been located and have been listed as deceased.'' He added that he is working on it.
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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. Central Command)
Airborne and naval platforms from the United States, Japan, and Spain continually searched more than 21,000 square miles for the missing SEALs.
CENTCOM said the Fleet Numerical Weather and Oceanography Center, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command, University of San Diego Script Oceanographic Laboratory, and Office of Naval Research Oceanographic Support also assisted in the search.
This undated photo released by U.S. Central Command shows what is believed to be Iranian missile components aimed at Yemen's Houthi rebels, who have seized a ship in the Arabian Sea. (U.S. Central Command)
“We mourn the loss of these two Navy Special Warfare warriors and will forever honor their sacrifice and example,” Gen. Michaele Eric Kurilla said in a statement. “Our prayers are with the SEAL's family, friends, the U.S. Navy, and the entire special operations community during this time.”
The SEAL's name has not been released as his family continues to be notified.
The Jan. 11 raid by the SEALs was the latest seizure of weapons shipments meant for rebel groups by the U.S. Navy and its allies, which have launched a series of attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden that threaten global trade over Israel's war against Hamas. showed that. In the Gaza Strip. The missile parts seized included types that may have been used in these attacks.
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The U.S. Navy ultimately deemed the weapons-laden ship unsafe and sunk it, according to Central Command. 14 crew members of the ship were detained.
Fox News Digital’s Danielle Wallace and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
