President Biden on Monday honored two Navy Seals declared dead after they went missing more than ten days ago during an operation to stop Iranian weapons from falling into the hands of Houthi rebels.

In a statement, Mr. Biden said America will “never fail to honor their service, their legacy and their sacrifice.”

“These SEALS represented the very best of our country, pledging their lives to protect their fellow Americans. Our hearts go out to the family members, loved ones, friends, and shipmates who are grieving for these two brave Americans. Our entire country stands with you,” Mr. Biden said.

The U.S. Navy on Sunday declared the two unidentified SEALs dead. They are believed to be the first known U.S. casualties in its campaign against the Houthis who have repeatedly attacked ships in the Red Sea in response to Israel’s war in Gaza against Hamas.

During a nighttime mission on Jan. 11, U.S. troops boarded a small boat and seized weapons including Iranian-made ballistic missiles and cruise missile components bound for Yemen, according to the Pentagon.

As the SEALs tried to board the boat in rough seas, one member appeared to slip off the boarding ladder or was swept away by a high wave. Another jumped into the water to save the first SEAL, but both disappeared in the water. 

The military has said it conducted “an expansive” hunt for the two SEALs, searching more than 21,000 square miles.

• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.