SENATOR THE HON SIMON BIRMINGHAM
SHADOW MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION IN THE SENATE
SENATOR FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA

THE HON ANDREW HASTIE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CANNING

Wednesday 17 January 2024

The Opposition acknowledges the dangerous and challenging work of allied special forces disrupting the Houthi rebels and their terrorist networks in the Middle East.

We honour the two missing US Navy SEALs, lost at sea on Thursday 11 January, in the Gulf of Aden, while intercepting advanced missile weaponry components being smuggled from Iran to the Houthis in Yemen.

They remain missing, and our thoughts are with their families, shipmates and friends.

Australia has deep, enduring ties with the United States military — especially their special operations — and we are grateful for the dangerous work they do to keep our vital trade routes open and secure.