In a shocking revelation, the New York Times reported that US Navy SEALs were involved in a tragic incident during a covert mission in North Korea in 2019. The mission aimed to plant a listening device in the nuclear-armed country amid high-stakes diplomatic negotiations, ultimately resulting in the deaths of several North Korean civilians.
According to unnamed sources, including current and former military officials, the operation received approval from former President Donald Trump during his first term. This approval came at a time when Trump was engaged in historic discussions with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The plan was strategically crafted to address a significant blind spot in US intelligence, enabling the United States to intercept communications from the North Korean leader. Such intelligence could have provided Trump with a critical edge before the summit between the two leaders in 2019.
The mission, however, took a disastrous turn when the detachment of Navy SEALs encountered North Korean civilians who appeared to be diving for shellfish. According to the New York Times, the SEALs opened fire on the small fishing vessel, resulting in the deaths of all individuals onboard. The report did not specify the exact number of casualties, but the incident raised serious ethical and operational questions about the mission's execution.
Neither the US government nor the North Korean authorities have publicly acknowledged the botched operation. Prior to the mission, the White House had expressed concerns that even a minor military action against North Korea could lead to catastrophic retaliation. Following the incident, a classified Pentagon review determined that the actions of the Navy SEALs were justified under the established rules of engagement.
In 2019, the Navy SEALs were dispatched to North Korean waters aboard a nuclear-powered submarine. Subsequently, they were deployed in two mini-subs to reach the shore. The operation involved a team of eight SEALs who were tasked with stealthily bypassing North Korean border forces to install the listening device, with plans for a covert escape. Unfortunately, the mission was compromised due to the tragic encounter with civilians, and the SEALs left the area without completing their objective.
The New York Times also highlighted that the covert operation was reminiscent of a similar mission approved in 2005 by former President George W. Bush. Since Trump's last summit with Kim Jong-un in 2019, diplomatic talks have stalled, and North Korea has continued to advance its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, raising concerns about regional stability.
The White House, the Pentagon, and the US embassy in Seoul did not respond immediately to requests for comment regarding this sensitive issue. The fallout from this incident underscores the complexities and risks involved in covert military operations, especially in high-tension environments like North Korea.
