I understand what you are saying. But the Navy claims this dhow has a long history of smuggling. The would was better when a destroyer just enforced things openly.
We abuse our spec ops by using them for missions where conventional old fashioned approaches were better. And we do it for immoral reasons, just so our politicians don’t look bad in front of their Davos buddies.
What I think they miss is that when it’s a destroyer popping them with 5 inchers, the lesson gets out quickly and that becomes the way it is.
Today we could send a missile right down the throat of the cave and take out the guns of Navarone, but I am convinced we would still try to scale cliffs and send in some kind of commandos.
Spec ops should be respected, and not merely used as a substitute for conventional forces. That flying clown car of Seals where we lost 30 Spec Ops guys is another example. They were the react force because ROE was that you could not shoot at buildings, and you could not use artillery, and the AC-130 overhead was denied permission to fire despite their pleading.
Despite our ability to project massive power, the geniuses leading our effort decided a flying clown car packed with a platoon of Seals in lieu of normal infantry was the answer.
It’s murderous abuse. It’s just disrespectful to them the way they are used today by our cowardly leaders.
I see your point of view.