Revealed: 2019 Navy SEAL Mission’s Tragic Outcome Resulted in Deaths of Unarmed North Koreans – Insights from The New York Times and CNN Politics

A 2019 mission in North Korea aimed at gathering intelligence took a tragic turn. Navy SEALs attempted to plant a device to intercept communications of leader Kim Jong Un. The operation ended poorly, resulting in the deaths of several North Korean civilians. This information comes from a recent report by the New York Times.

This mission, requiring direct approval from then-President Donald Trump, was set against the backdrop of delicate nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and North Korea. The specifics of the plan involved placing a nuclear-powered submarine in North Korean waters. Two mini-subs would then deploy SEALs who would swim to the target site to install the device.

The Navy SEALs, specifically SEAL Team Six’s Red Squadron, had rehearsed for months. They are known for taking on high-risk operations, including the mission that killed Osama bin Laden in 2011. However, during this operation, a North Korean boat approached, which appeared to carry civilians diving for shellfish. The SEALs opened fire, leading to fatalities. Notably, the Trump administration did not inform key members of Congress about this operation.

Historically, U.S.-North Korea relations have been tumultuous. In 2017, Trump warned North Korea against making threats, saying they would face “fire and fury.” At the time, analysts suggested North Korea had developed a miniaturized nuclear warhead. However, the situation took a different turn in 2018 and 2019, when Trump and Kim exchanged letters and participated in unprecedented summits. These meetings were marked by vague promises of nuclear disarmament yet showcased a shift towards diplomacy.

By 2019, Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to step foot in North Korea, shaking hands with Kim. In contrast, the Biden administration has focused on strengthening alliances in South Korea while gradually moving toward denuclearization.

This incident serves as a reminder of the complex and often dangerous interplay between military action and diplomatic efforts in international relations.

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