Navy Seals killed North Korean civilians in botched 2019 mission, US news says

US Navy Seals shot and killed a number of North Korean civilians during a botched covert mission to plant a listening device in the nuclear-armed country during high-stakes diplomatic negotiations in 2019, The New York Times noted on Friday, Report informs referring to the South China Morning Post.

Citing unidentified sources, including current and former military officials with knowledge of the still-classified details, the newspaper said US President Donald Trump approved the operation during his first administration, as he was involved in historic talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

The civilians appeared to be diving for shellfish when they inadvertently came across the detachment of Seals as they splashed ashore at night, the Times noted.

The American forces opened fire, killing all those aboard the small fishing vessel, the report said, without specifying the number of casualties.

A classified Pentagon review later concluded the killings were justified under the rules of engagement, the update said.