A U.S. Navy SEAL Team 6 operation in North Korea in 2019 resulted in the accidental deaths of civilians, according to a report by The New York Times. The mission, authorized by then-President Donald Trump, aimed to install an electronic device to intercept communications from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un amid nuclear negotiations.
The operation took place under the cover of night on the North Korean coast. Sources indicate that the SEALs encountered a small boat, which was later confirmed to be carrying two or three civilians gathering shellfish. The special forces opened fire, killing everyone on board before sinking the bodies to conceal their actions. The mission ultimately failed, as the device was never installed, but all American personnel returned safely aboard a nuclear submarine.
This operation, which required direct presidential approval due to its potential to escalate conflict with a nuclear power, was reportedly not communicated to key members of Congress, raising questions about its legality under U.S. law. The incident brings to light the significant risks involved in covert military operations and the potential for unintended consequences.
The ramifications of this mission could further complicate U.S.-North Korea relations, which have remained tense since Trump"s presidency. As previously reported, the administration"s foreign policy decisions often sparked controversy, mirroring recent developments in other areas, such as Trump"s deployment of F-35 fighters to Puerto Rico to target drug cartels.
