Military ends search for Navy SEALs lost in maritime raid on ship with Iranian arms
The US military has officially ended the 10-day search for two Navy SEALs lost in the Arabian Sea during a mission to confiscate Iranian-made weapons. The sailors are now considered deceased.
Search for Navy SEALs called off
The US military has officially ended the 10-day search for two Navy SEALs who went missing in the Arabian Sea during a mission to board a ship and confiscate Iranian-made weapons. The search has now transitioned into a recovery effort, as the sailors are considered deceased. The names of the SEALs have not been released to the public yet, as family notifications are still underway.
Ships and aircraft from the US, Japan, and Spain conducted continuous search operations covering over 21,000 square miles. They were assisted by various organizations including the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center, the US Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command, University of San Diego – Scripts Institute of Oceanography, and the Office of Naval Research.
Statement from US Central Command
General Erik Kurilla, the head of US Central Command, expressed condolences for the loss of the two Navy SEALs, stating that their sacrifice and example will be forever honored. He offered prayers for the SEALs' families, friends, the US Navy, and the entire Special Operations community during this difficult time.
The mission that led to the SEALs' disappearance took place on January 11 and targeted an unflagged ship carrying illicit Iranian-made weapons meant for the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. As the team was boarding the ship, one of the SEALs went under in heavy seas, prompting a teammate to attempt a rescue.
Details of the raid and weapon seizure
The SEALs launched their mission from the USS Lewis B. Puller, a mobile sea base, with support from drones and helicopters. They used small special operations combat craft to reach the targeted ship, where they seized various Iranian-made weaponry, including components for cruise and ballistic missile systems, as well as air defense parts.
This seizure is part of ongoing efforts by the US Navy and its allies to intercept weapon shipments destined for the Houthi rebels. These rebels have recently escalated their attacks, posing a threat to global trade in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The US Navy decided to sink the ship they raided after determining it was unsafe. The 14 crew members on board were detained.
