Washington DC, – January 25, 2024
The US military has declared that two Navy Seals who went missing during a covert operation off the coast of Somalia on January 11 are now presumed dead. The mission aimed to seize Iranian-made weapons bound for Houthi rebels in Yemen.
During the operation, as commandos were boarding a ship, one Seal was swept away by heavy seas, and the second Seal jumped in to rescue his comrade. Despite extensive search efforts conducted by air and naval units from the US, Japan, and Spain over a span of ten days, the bodies of the two Navy Seals, identified as 27-year-old Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram and 37-year-old Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J Chambers, have not been recovered.
The head of Central Command (Centcom), Gen Michael Erik Kurilla, expressed condolences, stating, “We mourn the loss of our two Naval Special Warfare warriors, and we will forever honor their sacrifice and example.”
US President Joe Biden acknowledged the bravery of the fallen Seals, stating, “These Seals represented the very best of our country, pledging their lives to protect their fellow Americans.”
The incident occurred during a night mission as the Seals were boarding an unflagged traditional sailing ship called a dhow. The operation led to the discovery of warheads for Houthi medium-range ballistic missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles, and components for air defense systems. The seized items were linked to recent Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
The Houthis, backed by Iran, have targeted vessels in the Red Sea, prompting rerouting of cargo ships and tankers. The group claims to be targeting ships connected to Israel, but their attacks have affected vessels with no clear ties to Israel. After the US and UK launched airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen in response to the Red Sea attacks, the group expanded its targets to include ships associated with these countries.
Both the US and UK emphasize that they are not seeking conflict with the Houthis but are aiming to protect the international trade route. The Houthis control the northern part of Yemen, the capital Sanaa, and the Red Sea coastline.
