CENTCOM Ends Search and Rescue Operation for Missing American Sailors

The U.S. Navy concluded a 10-day search and rescue operation on Sunday to find two special forces personnel who went missing off the coast of Somalia while attempting to board a vessel and seize weapons manufactured by the Islamic Republic. The operation's end is interpreted as an announcement of the death of these two American soldiers. According to the Associated Press, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that ships and aircraft from the U.S., Japan, and Spain continuously searched over 21,000 square miles with the assistance of the U.S. Coast Guard's Atlantic Area Command and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. General Michael Kurilla, CENTCOM commander, said, 'We mourn the loss of our two Navy special warfare warriors and will forever honor their sacrifice.' The operation, which began on January 11, targeted an unflagged ship carrying weapons made by the Islamic Republic for the Houthis in Yemen, during which the two special forces personnel went missing. Officials stated that high waves in international waters of the Arabian Sea knocked one of them off a ladder connected to the vessel, and the other jumped into the water to assist his colleague, but both disappeared. CENTCOM reported that a range of weapons manufactured by the Islamic Republic was discovered and seized during this operation, including components of cruise and ballistic missiles such as engines and guidance systems, warheads, and air defense parts. Other seized items included propulsion systems, guidance, and warheads for medium-range ballistic missiles for Houthi rebels in Yemen, anti-ship cruise missiles, and related air defense components. According to CENTCOM, initial analysis indicates that the Iran-backed Houthis have used these weapons to threaten or attack international commercial vessels passing through the Red Sea. The supply, sale, or transfer of weapons to the Houthis, directly or indirectly, violates UN Security Council Resolution 2216. The U.S. announced last week that it would re-add the Houthis to the list of terrorist organizations.