President Biden on Monday mourned the loss of two Navy SEALs who are presumed dead after they went missing off the coast of Somalia earlier this month during a special covert mission to seize Iranian missile parts bound for Yemen.
Biden said in a statement that the presumed deaths of the two SEALs were a “profound loss for our country.”
“These SEALs represented the very best of our country, pledging their lives to protect their fellow Americans,” Biden said. “Our hearts go out to the family members, loved ones, friends, and shipmates who are grieving for these two brave Americans.”
“Our entire country stands with you,” he added. “We will never fail to honor their service, their legacy, and their sacrifice.”
The two SEALs went missing on the night of Jan. 11 while boarding a special combat operations craft in the Gulf of Aden. One sailor fell into rough waters and another jumped in to rescue the overboard SEAL.
The sailors were part of a team that intercepted Iranian missile components bound for the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Houthis have targeted merchant ships in the Red Sea since late November in an escalating series of attacks that has prompted full-blown conflict with the U.S. military.
U.S. Central Command said in a Sunday statement that after an exhaustive 10-day search, the missing sailors were presumed dead.
Gen. Michael Kurilla said the U.S. “will forever honor their sacrifice and example.”
“Our prayers are with the SEALs’ families, friends, the U.S. Navy, and the entire Special Operations community during this time,” he said in the statement.