U.S. Commandos Involved in Deaths of North Korean Civilians During Secret 2019 Mission,New York Times Reports
A clandestine U.S. military operation in North Korea during 2019 resulted in the deaths of several North Korean civilians, according to a New York times investigation published today.The incident occurred while diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and North Korea, led by then-President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un, were underway. the revelation raises questions about the conduct of covert operations during sensitive negotiations and the rules of engagement governing U.S. forces operating in hostile territory.The mission, reportedly approved by President Trump during his first term, aimed to deploy an observation device within North Korea. Details remain classified, but the New York Times’ reporting, based on interviews with current and former military personnel familiar with the operation, indicates that a group of U.S. commandos encountered civilians collecting shellfish along the coast at night. U.S. forces opened fire on a small fishing boat, resulting in multiple civilian fatalities – the exact number remains undisclosed.
A subsequent Pentagon investigation reportedly concluded the use of force was justified under the applicable rules of engagement. The White House, Pentagon, and U.S. Embassy in Seoul have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the report.
The incident occurred after a series of historic meetings between Trump and Kim Jong Un, which ultimately failed to yield a lasting agreement on denuclearization. following the final meeting in 2019, North Korea resumed its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.