Full Breakdown
Covert Operation in North Korea: A Failed Mission Under Trump
9/6/2025, 4:23:30 AM
Overview of the Covert Operation
In early 2019, President Donald Trump authorized a covert military operation aimed at intercepting communications from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. This operation involved SEAL Team 6’s Red Squadron, the same unit responsible for the 2011 assassination of Osama Bin Laden. The mission was intended to plant an electronic listening device on a North Korean fishing vessel during a period of high-stakes nuclear negotiations between the United States and North Korea.
Mission Details and Execution
The operation commenced from a nuclear-powered submarine, with SEALs deploying in two mini-subs to reach the North Korean coastline. The team, consisting of eight operators, was tasked with installing the device and escaping undetected. However, as they approached the shore, they encountered a small fishing boat. Fearing they had been compromised, the SEALs opened fire, resulting in the deaths of two to three North Korean fishermen. The SEALs subsequently attempted to conceal the bodies by puncturing their lungs to ensure they sank, thereby avoiding detection by North Korean authorities.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
The operation raised significant legal and ethical questions, particularly regarding the lack of notification to key congressional committees overseeing intelligence operations. Experts, including Matthew Waxman, a law professor at Columbia University, suggested that this omission may have violated federal law. Waxman emphasized the importance of congressional oversight in military operations, stating, “This is exactly the kind of thing that would normally be briefed to the committees.”
Aftermath and Implications
Following the failed mission, the Trump administration did not publicly acknowledge the operation, and it remained classified. A Pentagon review later concluded that the actions taken by the SEALs were justified under military rules of engagement, describing the civilian deaths as “unfortunate occurrences” that could not have been foreseen. Despite the failure, several individuals involved in the mission received promotions.
The incident occurred during a time of unprecedented diplomatic engagement between the U.S. and North Korea, including the 2019 Hanoi Summit. Although Trump and Kim Jong Un met later that month, the talks ultimately did not yield a deal, and North Korea resumed missile tests shortly thereafter.
Criticism and Opposition
The revelation of this covert operation has drawn criticism from various quarters. Daryl Kimball, Director of the Arms Control Association, described the incident as an example of Trump’s “reckless and failed approach” to dealing with North Korea. Critics have pointed out that had a similar operation occurred under a Democratic administration, it would have likely faced intense scrutiny from the media and political opponents.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the New York Times reported on the operation based on interviews with over two dozen officials, neither the U.S. nor North Korean governments have publicly acknowledged the mission. The extent of North Korea's awareness of the incident remains unclear, and the details surrounding the operation continue to be classified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The point is to ensure that Congress isn’t kept in the dark when major stuff is going on,” — Matthew Waxman, Law Professor, Columbia University
- “If this had happened under Obama or Biden the media would have crucified them,” — Daryl Kimball, Director, Arms Control Association
- “I don’t know anything about it. I’d have to, I could look, but I know nothing about it,” — Donald Trump, Former President
This covert operation underscores the complexities and risks associated with military engagements during diplomatic negotiations, raising questions about oversight and accountability in U.S. military operations.
