Janice R. Andrews
Two US Navy SEALs are missing after going missing in an audacious nighttime operation in the Arabian Gulf to grab Iranian weapons meant for the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The operation targeted a dhow, or small ship, along the coast of Somalia and was carried out by US Central Command Navy forces. Operating off of the expeditionary mobile base ship USS Lewis B. Puller, the SEALs boarded the ship with the assistance of UAVs and helicopters.
Propulsion, guidance, and warheads for Houthi medium-range ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles are among the weaponry from Iran that were taken into custody. Parts of the air defence system were also seized. These weapons are identical to those that the Houthis have previously used in attacks in the Red Sea, according to Centcom’s preliminary investigation.
According to Centcom, since the start of the Houthi attacks in November 2023, this is the first time that deadly, Iranian-supplied advanced conventional weapons meant for the Houthis have been discovered. International law and UN Security Resolution 2216 are broken by arming the Houthis.
General Michael Kurilla, the commander of Centcom, stressed that Iran’s actions show a blatant disregard for international norms. He said, “This is yet another example of how Iran actively sows instability throughout the region in direct violation of UN Security Resolution 2216 and International law.” General Kurilla emphasised the restoration of freedom of navigation and promised to work with regional and global allies to uncover and thwart such initiatives.
The two missing SEALs were involved in the operation, Centcom has officially confirmed. A thorough search is being conducted to find the people. Every attempt is being made, according to General Kurilla, to locate the missing SEALs and bring them back safely. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers and difficulties military personnel encounter when carrying out intricate missions to preserve security and stability in the region.
