In a shocking revelation, the New York Times reported that members of the United States Navy SEALs killed several North Korean civilians during a failed mission in 2019 aimed at planting a listening device in the nuclear-armed country. This classified operation was reportedly approved by then-President Donald Trump and took place during delicate diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang.
The operation was executed by the elite SEAL Team 6, the same unit renowned for eliminating former al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in 2011. Their task was to covertly infiltrate North Korea under the cover of darkness and deploy a surveillance device to monitor the activities of the country’s leadership. Unfortunately, a series of missteps during this high-stakes mission led to civilian casualties.
As the SEALs approached the North Korean shore, they encountered several locals engaged in shellfishing. In a tragic turn of events, the special forces opened fire on a small fishing vessel, resulting in the deaths of all individuals on board. The Times report did not specify the exact number of casualties, but it highlighted the severity of the incident.
Sources familiar with the operation revealed that the US soldiers attempted to hide the evidence of their actions. It was reported that they “pulled the bodies into the water” to prevent North Korean authorities from discovering the incident. Disturbingly, one source indicated that SEAL members “punctured the boat crew’s lungs with knives to ensure their bodies would sink”.
The New York Times gained insights into this botched mission through interviews with numerous individuals, including civilian government officials and both current and former military personnel. Due to the classified nature of the operation, these sources requested anonymity. Many expressed concern that failures in special operations are often obscured by government secrecy.
Former President Trump, when approached by reporters regarding the report, claimed he had no prior knowledge of the mission. “I could look, but I know nothing about it,” Trump stated. “I’m hearing it now for the first time.”
US officials remain uncertain whether North Korea was aware of the events that transpired in 2019. At the time, the North Korean government made no public statements regarding the deaths of the civilians. As of now, there has been no official comment from Pyongyang concerning the recent disclosures made by the Times.
This incident raises significant questions about the conduct of special operations and the transparency of military actions, particularly when civilian lives are at stake. The implications of such missions continue to resonate within the international community, sparking discussions on ethical military engagement and accountability.
