U.S. military launched one of its riskiest covert operations in years. Then-President Donald Trump gave the green light to send SEAL Team 6’s elite “Red Squadron” into North Korea. The mission’s purpose was clear: infiltrate hostile territory, plant a high-tech listening device, and provide Washington with a direct stream of intelligence on Pyongyang’s nuclear program
Nuclear Submarines and Mini-Subs on a Deadly Journey
The operation began under the sea. A nuclear-powered submarine transported the SEALs close to the North Korean coastline. From there, the team deployed in smaller mini-subs designed to slip past radar and patrols. Months of rehearsals in remote waters prepared the operators for this moment.
When they finally reached a rocky shoreline under cover of darkness, every detail of the landing had been planned. The SEALs knew they were entering a region where one wrong move could spark an international incident or even a war.
The mission took a tragic turn moments after landing. Instead of finding an empty stretch of coastline, the SEALs stumbled upon a small civilian fishing boat. The fishermen, later identified as shellfish divers, spotted the team.
Why the Operation Failed and What It Reveals About Covert Warfare
The mission highlights how even the best-prepared special forces can face unpredictable challenges. The SEALs rehearsed navigation, infiltration, and extraction. Yet a chance encounter with civilians derailed the entire plan.
Military analysts argue that the U.S. underestimated the density of civilian activity near coastal regions of North Korea. Others suggest the operation rushed forward without enough contingency planning because of the political urgency of Trump’s nuclear negotiations with Kim Jong Un.
Political Fallout: What the Trump–Kim Hanoi Summit Meant for the Mission
The operation happened just before Trump’s second summit with Kim Jong Un in Hanoi, Vietnam. Despite the mission’s failure, Trump pressed forward with diplomatic talks. The summit ended without an agreement, and North Korea soon restarted missile tests.
Had the civilian deaths been exposed at the time, the summit might have collapsed before it even began. Instead, both Washington and Pyongyang kept silent. The incident remained classified, and few in Congress were informed. The secrecy raises questions about oversight and accountability in U.S. foreign policy.
This was not the first time U.S. Navy SEALs entered North Korea. In 2005, during President George W. Bush’s administration, SEAL Team 6 reportedly carried out a similar operation. That mission, involving mini-subs and stealth infiltration, ended successfully with no reported casualties.
