Who are the Navy SEALs facing the Houthi threat in the Red Sea?.

On the night of January 11, 2024, a special operation led by the Navy SEALs, the elite commando force of the U.S. Navy, aimed to intercept and neutralize a dhow (a traditional sailing vessel) off the coast of Somalia carrying Iranian missile components destined for the Houthis in Yemen. Despite the mission's success, two team members mysteriously disappeared in dramatic circumstances. The Navy SEALs, as a special operations unit of the United States Navy, play a crucial role in combating arms trafficking and piracy, particularly in strategic areas like the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.
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East-coast-based U.S. Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) conduct in-water checks during dive training with Polish special forces (Picture source: US DoD)

The operation, which took place on January 11, 2024, involved an unflagged vessel carrying components for medium-range Iranian ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles destined for Somalia. The SEALs team, launched from the mobile sea base USS Lewis B. Puller, used special combat craft to board the ship in challenging sea conditions.

As a reminder, the military operation off the coast of Somalia, during which two Navy SEALs went missing, is part of a broader context of combating attacks by the Houthi rebels in Yemen. These rebels, supported by Iran, have carried out attacks on ships in the Red Sea, affecting maritime trade and regional security. To enforce a UN resolution prohibiting the supply of arms to the Houthis, the Navy Seals undertook a mission to intercept a sailboat carrying Iranian missiles. Unfortunately, this operation was marked by the mysterious disappearance of two members of the U.S. Special Forces. The two men have since been declared deceased after an intensive 10-day search covering more than 21,000 square miles by teams from the United States, Japan, and Spain.

The Navy SEALs, as a special operations unit of the United States Navy, are crucial in combating arms trafficking and piracy, particularly in strategic areas like the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. Their involvement in these regions often involves intercepting ships suspected of carrying illegal arms or engaging in piracy. A famous operation by the Navy SEALs is the 2009 rescue of Captain Richard Phillips, who was the captain of the MV Maersk Alabama, an American cargo ship hijacked by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean. Deployed after the pirates took Phillips hostage on a lifeboat, the SEALs executed a daring and precise operation, successfully rescuing Phillips by shooting the pirates, showcasing their expertise in counter-piracy and hostage rescue operations.

The Navy SEALs participated in numerous significant operations, including the 2011 capture of Osama bin Laden during Operation Neptune Spear. They also played pivotal roles in various conflicts, such as the Vietnam War, the Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan, where their ability to conduct targeted and strategic operations proved indispensable.

The Navy SEALs are equipped with a variety of specialized vessels and weaponry to effectively conduct their operations in maritime environments. For rapid and versatile operations at sea, they utilize the Combatant Craft Medium (CCM), a fast and adaptable boat. For discreet infiltration and exfiltration, they employ the SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV), a small submarine designed for stealth. Their arsenal includes assault rifles like the M4A1, known for its precision and versatility, and sniper rifles such as the MK13 and MK11 for situations requiring high accuracy. For close combat, they rely on light weapons like the SIG Sauer P226 or Glock pistols. Their diving equipment is tailored for various water temperatures, featuring closed-circuit diving systems that leave no bubbles, ideal for covert operations. Navigation is aided by advanced GPS systems and compasses, while secure communication equipment maintains contact between team members and command. Night vision devices are essential for nighttime operations, and drones are utilized for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.

The SEALs' tactics are as advanced as their equipment. They specialize in discreet infiltration and exfiltration, using SDVs and silent swimming techniques to approach targets undetected. Intelligence gathering before and during operations ensures precise planning and execution. Maritime assaults, often conducted from fast boats or helicopters, involve shipboarding techniques. They are also adept in confined space combat, a necessity within the constrained environments of ships. Hostage rescue and anti-piracy operations demand specific tactics for saving hostages and neutralizing pirates. The SEALs work in coordination with other branches of the armed forces and international forces in joint operations. They are adept at adapting to the environmental conditions of the Red Sea, which can include extreme temperatures and turbulent waters, ensuring their effectiveness in a variety of challenging scenarios.

Given the exceptional capabilities of the Navy SEALs in maritime special operations, they are undeniably the ideal unit to intervene on the maritime supply routes used by Iran to support the Houthis.

A history dating back to World War 2

The Navy SEALSs (Sea, Air, and Land Teams) are an elite unit of the U.S. Navy known for their expertise in special operations. Their history dates back to World War II with the formation of combat swimmer units, including Navy Combat Demolition Units and Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs). These units specialized in reconnaissance and sabotage of enemy coastal defenses.

In 1962, in response to increasing demand for forces capable of conducting unconventional operations, President John F. Kennedy established the Navy Seals. Seals were designed to operate in all environments (sea, air, land), setting them apart from other military units.

The Navy SEALs are organized into multiple teams (SEAL Teams) and squadrons. Each team consists of multiple platoons, each specializing in various aspects of special operations, such as reconnaissance, direct warfare, or counter-terrorism. Seal teams are based at various locations in the United States, including Virginia, Hawaii, and California.

Seals are recognized for their rigorous and demanding training, known as Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training. This training includes intense physical and mental tests, basic training in underwater and parachute operations, and advanced training in specific environments such as high mountains, jungles, or the Arctic.

Navy Seals are an essential component of the U.S. Navy's special forces. They are often called upon to perform operations that require a high level of discretion, precision, and efficiency. Typical Seal missions include special reconnaissance, direct raids, counter-terrorism, and hostage rescue. Due to their ability to operate discreetly behind enemy lines and in hostile environments, they are often the first choice for critical high-risk missions.