The Gulf of Aden has become the center of intense search operations as two U.S. Navy SEALs are reported missing after falling into the water during a nighttime boarding mission off the coast of Somalia. The incident occurred on Thursday, according to U.S. officials familiar with the matter.

Details surrounding the circumstances that led to the SEALs boarding the vessel remain unclear. However, it is known that they fell into the water while conducting the boarding operation in the Gulf of Aden, one after the other.

The search for the missing SEALs is currently ongoing, as confirmed by a U.S. defense official. The area has witnessed a surge in U.S. Naval activity due to the Houthi militants in Yemen, who have launched over two dozen attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since mid-November.

U.S. Navy ships deployed in these waters have been actively responding to distress calls from affected commercial ships, as well as intercepting and neutralizing Houthi drones and missiles. In recent days, the U.S. carried out airstrikes against approximately 30 locations associated with these Houthi attacks.

The circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the two sailors were disclosed in a statement from U.S. Central Command issued on Friday. The statement confirmed that the sailors had gone missing on the evening of January 11 during operations off the coast of Somalia. Search and rescue operations are underway, but further information is being withheld for operational security purposes.

Nighttime boarding operations such as the one conducted by the missing SEALs are considered among the most complex and perilous missions for Navy sailors. Constant monitoring of ocean sea states and environmental conditions plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and success of such operations, according to former U.S. officials.

As search efforts continue, the identities of the missing SEALs have not been disclosed, out of respect for their families. Updates on the personnel recovery operation will be provided once it is complete.