US Navy Seals believed to be deceased following an operation against Houthi militants

According to the US military, two Navy Seals who went missing while trying to seize Iranian-made weapons bound for Houthi rebels in Yemen are presumed dead. The incident occurred on 11 January when commandos were boarding a ship off the coast of Somalia. Reports suggest that one Seal was swept away, and the other jumped in after them, following protocol. Recovery efforts are now underway to retrieve their bodies. General Michael Erik Kurilla, the head of Centcom, expressed condolences and vowed to honor the sacrifice made by the Navy Seals. A search operation involving air and naval units from the US, Japan, and Spain took place over ten days, covering an area larger than 21,000 square miles. This specialized maritime military force, known as Navy Seals, carries out covert operations and reconnaissance missions. The seized weapons included warheads for Houthi missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles, and air defense system parts, violating a UN Security Resolution and international law. Houthi attacks have targeted numerous vessels, leading to rerouted cargo ships and tankers to avoid strikes. While the Houthis claim to only target vessels connected to Israel due to the conflict in Gaza, they have hit ships with no apparent connection. After the US and UK launched airstrikes against Houthi positions in retaliation for the Red Sea attacks, the group started attacking ships associated with these countries. Although neither the US nor the UK seeks conflict with the Houthis, they aim to protect the international trade route.