WASHINGTON – The Pentagon on Monday identified the two Navy SEALs who were lost at sea during a recent mission to seize Iranian weapons en route to Houthi rebels in Yemen, and President Biden called their deaths a “profound loss to our country.” ”.
Navy special warfare operator Christopher J. Chambers, 37, and Nathan Gage Ingram, 27, disappeared Jan. 11 while trying to board a ship carrying weapons bound for Houthi-controlled territory, according to the Navy Command. Central United States.
As the team of special operators climbed the side of the ship, one of the SEALs slid into the Gulf of Aden. The second SEAL jumped after his comrade, following military protocol, but he too disappeared.
“Jill and I are mourning the tragic death of two of the United States Navy’s top SEALs, who were lost at sea while executing a mission off the coast of East Africa last week,” said the president of 81 years old. “…These SEALs represented the best of our country and pledged their lives to protect their fellow Americans.”
The interdiction mission (Pentagon slang for intercepting weapons) took place at night, which some former special operators have said presents additional risks for those involved.
USCENTCOM/SWNS
Despite the loss of the two SEALs, the mission was ultimately a success.
The United States seized parts of Iranian ballistic missiles and other weapons, showing a clear “example of how Iran is actively sowing instability throughout the region,” officials said on January 16.
Military officials have said the raid prevented at least some attacks by Houthi forces on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
US Navy SEALs seized items including propulsion and guidance parts, as well as warheads for Houthi medium-range ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles, as well as air defense components. USCENTCOM/SWNS Two US Navy SEALs were declared dead after they went missing while trying to board a ship carrying Iranian weapons bound for the Houthis. X/US Central Command
The United States, Japan and Spain searched “more than 21,000 square miles” for the SEALs for about a week and a half before CENTCOM officially changed their status from “missing” to “deceased” on Sunday.
Still, Biden said the military continues to search for his remains “as we mourn this profound loss to our country.”
Chambers had served nearly 12 years, while Ingram had been in the Navy since 2019, according to his service records. In a statement Monday, Capt. Blake L. Chaney, commander of Naval Special Warfare Group 1 (NSW), called them “exceptional warriors, beloved teammates and dear friends to many.”
“Chris and Gage selflessly served their country with unwavering professionalism and exceptional capabilities,” Chaney said. “This loss is devastating for New South Wales, our families, the special operations community and across the country.”
The incident marked the first time American service members have been killed in one of the conflicts that have erupted across the Middle East since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7.
“Our hearts go out to the family, loved ones, friends and shipmates who are mourning these two brave Americans,” Biden said. “Our entire country is with you. “We will never stop honoring their service, their legacy and their sacrifice.”
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Source: vtt.edu.vn