A 2019 secret mission by US Navy SEALs in North Korea resulted in the deaths of three civilians and the mission’s failure, according to a New York Times report. The operation, which involved installing an electronic device to monitor Kim Jong-un’s communications, required direct presidential authorization. Former President Trump has denied any knowledge of the incident. The SEALs, part of the same unit that took down Osama bin Laden, prepared for months, entering North Korean waters via a nuclear submarine and using mini-submarines to reach the shore. The goal was to bypass North Korean border forces and install the device. When a small boat approached their position, the commandos opened fire, resulting in the deaths of the occupants. The commandos found no weapons or uniforms on the boat; the individuals were diving for seafood. To cover up the incident, the commandos damaged the bodies before abandoning the mission. This mission occurred during the period of negotiations between Trump and Kim. North Korea has remained silent on the event. The White House and Pentagon have not commented. The New York Times reports that key members of Congress were not informed about the mission, a possible breach of law.
