U.S. Navy SEALs reportedly encountered and killed several North Korean civilians during a covert mission in 2019. According to The New York Times, “This mission sought to implant a listening device within the borders of the nuclear-armed nation, amidst heightened diplomatic negotiations.”
The sources, which include current and former military officials privy to the still-classified details, suggest that the operation received approval from then-President Donald Trump. This occurred during his administration’s historic dialogues with the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. The Pentagon and the U.S. Embassy in Seoul have yet to respond to requests for comment.
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The North Korean civilians, seemingly engaged in shellfish collection, inadvertently crossed paths with the SEAL detachment as they landed under the cover of darkness. The American forces reportedly opened fire, leading to the death of all those aboard a small fishing vessel. The exact number of casualties, however, remains unspecified.
A classified Pentagon review later justified the killings under the applicable rules of engagement. The significance of this should not be overlooked, especially given the subsequent breakdown of diplomatic talks and North Korea’s continued development of its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile program after the last Trump-Kim summit in 2019.
We’ll continue to monitor this developing story, reminding you, our readers, of the importance of staying informed about global events and their implications. The importance of accuracy, truth, and the public’s right to information should never be underestimated.