Two US Navy SEALs missing in the Arabian Gulf were involved in an operation to seize Iranian weapons destined for Yemen.
The SEALs deployed from the USS Lewis B Puller, an expeditionary mobile base ship. They boarded a small dhow off the coast of Somalia at night, supported by helicopters and UAVs, and seized the vessel, US Central Command Navy forces reported.
They took Iranian ballistic and cruise missile components, including propulsion, guidance and warheads for medium-range ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles, as well as air defence components.
The analysis revealed that it was the same type of weapon used by the group to attack ships in the Red Sea. The supply, direct or indirect, sale or transfer of weapons to the Houthis in Yemen is a violation of UN Security Resolution 2216 and international law.
Centcom commander General Michael Kurilla stated that Iran continued to supply the fighters with “advanced lethal aid.”
“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. We will continue to work with regional and international partners to expose and interdict these efforts, and ultimately to re-establish freedom of navigation.”
Kurilla claimed an “exhaustive search” is being conducted to locate the missing SEALs, with Centcom confirming their participation in the operation.
