The two Navy SEALs who vanished on January 11 during a night raid off the coast of Somalia are believed to be dead, according to confirmation from US Central Command on Sunday.
One of the SEALS fell into the water while trying to scale a vessel as part of an interdiction mission, and the other SEAL dove in after him. After a thorough 10-day search, the missing SEALs were not found.
“We mourn the loss of our two Naval Special Warfare warriors, and we will forever honor their sacrifice and example,” said General Michael Kurilla in a condolence message. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, US Navy, and Special Operations community of the SEALs.
In order to find Iranian missile components meant for Houthi insurgents in Yemen, the SEALs’ task was to intercept a dhow sailing boat that was headed that way. Tensions against Iran in the Yemeni conflict increased as a result of the operation, which saw the ship sunk and its crew captured by the SEALs.
The missing SEALs could not be found, even after a search including the Japanese and Spanish navy that covered an area of more than 21,000 square miles of ocean.
Despite US airstrikes, the Houthi militants—who have attacked civilian cargo ships and US warships—have continued their attacks.
The world shipping market is at risk from the Yemeni Civil War, which is getting worse, and there are worries that it could lead to another regional conflict in the Middle East.
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