US Navy Seals Presumed Dead After Operation to Seize Iranian-Made Weapons
Tragedy struck during a recent operation carried out by US Navy Seals to intercept Iranian-made weapons intended for the Houthis in Yemen. Two Navy Seals who went missing during the mission are now presumed dead, according to the US military. The incident occurred on 11 January when the commandos were boarding a ship off the coast of Somalia. Reports suggest that one Seal was swept away by the rough seas, prompting the second Seal to jump in after them, following protocol. Efforts are currently underway to recover their bodies.
The loss of these two Naval Special Warfare warriors is deeply mourned by the US military. General Michael Erik Kurilla, the head of Central Command (Centcom), expressed his condolences and vowed to honor their sacrifice and example. The search for the missing Seals involved air and naval units from the US, Japan, and Spain, who dedicated ten days to scouring an expansive area of over 21,000 square miles (54,389 square kilometers). Oceanographers and meteorologists also lent their expertise to aid in the search.
Navy Seals are highly trained members of a specialized maritime military force responsible for various tasks, including reconnaissance and covert operations. Military officials revealed that the first Seal was swept into heavy seas during a night mission while boarding an unflagged dhow, a traditional sailing ship, where the illicit weapons were discovered. The second Seal bravely entered the water in an attempt to save their comrade, as they had been taught during training.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen Seals. He emphasized that the entire Department of Defense stands united in sorrow and gratitude for those who tirelessly worked to locate and rescue them.
The operation to seize Iranian-made weapons was prompted by recent missile strikes across the Middle East. Centcom disclosed that warheads for Houthi medium-range ballistic missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles, and components for air defense systems were among the items confiscated. Preliminary analysis suggests that these components were intended for missiles used by the Iran-backed Houthis to target vessels traversing the Red Sea. The supply, sale, and transfer of weapons to the Houthis violate a 2015 United Nations Security Resolution and international law.
The Houthi attacks have resulted in numerous vessels being targeted, leading to hundreds of cargo ships and tankers rerouting around the southern tip of Africa to avoid the strikes. The Houthis claim that they only target vessels with connections to Israel in response to the conflict in Gaza. However, some of the ships attacked had no clear ties to Israel. Additionally, they have begun targeting ships associated with the US and UK after both countries launched airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen as a response to the Red Sea attacks.
The Houthis currently control Yemen’s north, capital Sanaa, and the Red Sea coastline. While the US and UK assert that they do not seek conflict with the Houthis, they are committed to safeguarding the international trade route.
In conclusion, the loss of two Navy Seals during an operation to seize Iranian-made weapons intended for the Houthis in Yemen is a tragic event that highlights the dangers faced by military personnel in carrying out their duties. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the efforts made by various nations to combat illicit weapon transfers and protect vital trade routes. The sacrifice of these brave warriors will forever be honored by their comrades and the nation they served.
