In a somber development, The Military Report has learned that the two missing U.S. Navy SEALs, who vanished during a high-stakes operation, have been officially declared deceased after an exhaustive 10-day search.

The harrowing incident occurred during the boarding of an illicit dhow suspected of carrying advanced Iranian conventional weapons on Jan. 11. The search and rescue operation, which involved a joint effort by U.S., Japanese, and Spanish airborne and naval platforms, has now transitioned into recovery operations.

Over the past ten days, these dedicated teams tirelessly combed an extensive area spanning more than 21,000 square miles in a desperate attempt to locate their missing comrades. Notably, assistance was rendered by various organizations, including the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center, the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command, the University of California San Diego – Scripps Institute of Oceanography, and the Office of Naval Research – Oceanographic Support.

Out of deep respect for the grieving families, authorities are refraining from disclosing further details at this time.

Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, Commander of USCENTCOM, expressed his condolences, saying, “We mourn the loss of our two Naval Special Warfare warriors, and we 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.”

The Military Report will continue to provide updates as they become available.