In a tragic turn of events, two Navy SEALs who went missing on January 11 during a daring interdiction mission off the coast of Somalia have been declared dead by the U.S. military. The SEALs were reported missing while attempting to board a ship carrying Iranian weapons, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The search for the missing SEALs, who have not yet been publicly identified, has now shifted from a rescue effort to a recovery operation.

The incident occurred during a nighttime raid near the Somali coast. Defense officials revealed that the SEALs were climbing up the vessel when one of them was knocked off by high waves in the Arabian Sea. In accordance with their protocol, the second SEAL immediately jumped in after his teammate. However, despite the exhaustive search efforts by ships and aircraft from the U.S., Japan, and Spain, covering more than 21,000 square miles, the two SEALs were not located.

"We mourn the loss of our two Naval Special Warfare warriors, and we will forever honor their sacrifice and example," said Gen. Michale Erik Kurilla of CENTCOM. "Our prayers are with the SEALs' families, friends, the U.S. Navy, and the entire Special Operations community during this time."

The mission itself was part of ongoing efforts to disrupt the flow of weapons supplies to Houthi rebels in Yemen. During the raid, the military seized "advanced lethal aid" that was intended to support the rebels. Analysis of the weapons revealed that they matched the types used by the Houthis to attack commercial vessels in the Red Sea. In response, the Navy sank the ship as it was deemed unsafe. The 14 crew members on board were detained.

The Houthi rebels, who control parts of Yemen, have vowed to continue attacking ships they perceive to be connected to Israel or its international allies. They justify these missile and drone launches as retaliation for Israel's military operation in Gaza against Hamas. Last week, the Biden administration designated the Houthi rebels as a "specially designated global terrorist group."

The tragic loss of the two SEALs highlights the dangers faced by elite forces during such high-risk operations. One former SEAL described nighttime boarding missions, such as the one conducted, as "the sketchiest thing" he had done during his time in the teams. The challenging conditions of darkness, slippery surfaces, and rough seas make these operations incredibly perilous.

The recovery operation will continue as teams from the U.S., Japan, and Spain persist in their efforts to locate the missing SEALs. CENTCOM has expressed its condolences to the families of the fallen SEALs and emphasized its commitment to honoring their sacrifice.