The SEALs were reported missing after boarding an Iranian vessel in a Jan 11 operation near the coast of Somali, the US Central Command (Centcom) said on X.

“We mourn the loss of our two Naval Special Warfare warriors, and we will forever honour their sacrifice and example. Our prayers are with the SEALs’ families, friends, the US Navy, and the entire Special Operations community during this time,” Centcom commander general Michael Erik Kurilla said in a statement.

The US has carried out a string of strikes against Houthi targets in response to Houthi attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea that have disrupted global trade and raised fears of supply bottlenecks.

US Centcom forces on Saturday struck a Houthi anti-ship missile that was aimed into the Gulf of Aden and prepared to launch, the US military said.