In a recent development, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Friday that two U.S. Navy sailors have gone missing off the coast of Somalia. The incident occurred on Thursday, with the navy personnel deployed in the operational area of the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet.
CENTCOM refrained from disclosing the names of the missing sailors but stated that search and rescue operations are underway. The navy’s 5th Fleet operates in an expansive area covering around 2.5 million square miles, including the Arabian Gulf, Indian Ocean, and the Red Sea.
The waters around Somalia, known as the ‘Horn of Africa,’ have a history of pirate raids on commercial ships. Armed pirates utilize fast boats to chase and board slower cargo ships, subsequently hijacking them. Several navies, including India’s, have deployed resources in the region to enhance security for international shipping.
The Red Sea, part of the operational area of the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet, has recently faced challenges due to attacks by Houthi rebels on commercial ships. The rebels, supported by Iran, claim these attacks as a show of solidarity with the Palestinian cause amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Red Sea is a critical waterway leading to the Suez Canal, connecting Asia to Europe.
Houthi rebels have been targeting commercial ships passing through the Red Sea for weeks. In response, the United States and the United Kingdom have conducted strikes against the rebels. The situation remains tense, with Houthi rebels vowing retaliation for the strikes. The international community closely monitors developments in the region, given the strategic importance of the Red Sea.
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