US Navy SEAL Mission in North Korea: Justified Killings of Unarmed Civilians
A 2019 US Navy SEAL mission, approved by President Trump during nuclear talks, resulted in the deaths of unarmed North Koreans. Investigations and a Pentagon review later deemed the killings justified under rules of engagement.
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Overview
- A 2019 US Navy SEAL mission, approved by President Trump, took place during high-level nuclear talks between the US and North Korea, aiming to address diplomatic issues.
- The unsuccessful mission resulted in the deaths of unarmed North Korean individuals, raising questions about the operation's execution and its immediate consequences.
- Both independent investigators and a classified Pentagon review later concluded that the US Navy SEALs' actions were justified.
- The justification for the killings was based on the established rules of engagement, which govern the use of force by military personnel during operations.
- This incident underscores the complex and often tragic outcomes of covert military operations conducted in sensitive geopolitical contexts, even amidst diplomatic efforts.
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FAQ
The mission aimed to plant a surveillance device to intercept high-level communications ahead of a nuclear summit between the US and North Korea.
The SEALs encountered a North Korean fishing boat unexpectedly; believing there was a threat, they opened fire, resulting in the deaths of the civilians.
Both independent investigators and a classified Pentagon review concluded that the killings were justified under the established rules of engagement governing military operations.
No, the White House did not notify Congress about the mission or the killings, which some sources identify as a potential violation of law.
The nuclear summit that followed was unproductive but proceeded uneventfully; it is unclear if the North Koreans understood what had occurred during the mission.
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