White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Wednesday that anyone who suggests last month's raid in Yemen was unsuccessful "does [a] disservice" to the life of Navy SEAL William "Ryan" Owens, who was killed in the attack, which targeted al Qaeda militants. The raid was the first authorized by President Trump and an estimated 30 people, including civilians and an 8-year-old American girl, were killed.
"I think anybody who undermines the success of that raid owes an apology and a disservice to the life of Chief Owens," Spicer said. Though the raid spurred the Yemeni government to suspend the United States' anti-terrorism commando operations inside the country, Spicer insisted the raid was very valuable because of the intelligence gained. "American lives will be saved because of it," Spicer said. "Future attacks will be prevented."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
The week's best photosIn Pictures A flooded island, a ballistic missile, and more
-
Who actually needs life insurance?The Explainer If you have kids or are worried about passing on debt, the added security may be worth it
-
Sexual wellness trends to know, from products and therapies to retreats and hotelsThe Week Recommends Talking about pleasure and sexual health is becoming less taboo
-
Israel proposes two-month pause in Gaza war in exchange for all Hamas hostagesSpeed Read Deal doesn't include an agreement to end war, but might be 'the only path that could lead to a ceasefire', said US officials
-
Nato official warns of all-out war with Russia in next 20 yearsSpeed Read Civilians must prepare for life-changing conflict and mass mobilisation, says military chief
-
Rishi Sunak visits Kyiv to announce £2.5 billion in military support for UkraineSpeed Read Surprise trip comes amid increased Russian bombardment and escalation of Middle East crisis
-
British warship repels 'largest Houthi attack to date' in the Red SeaSpeed read Western allies warn of military response to Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels if attacks on ships continue
-
Israel preparing to flood Hamas tunnels with seawaterSpeed Read IDF pumps could drive out terrorists but critics warn of danger to hostages and Gaza water supply
-
Houthi rebels claim Red Sea ship attacksspeed read Iran-backed Yemeni group vows to escalate aggression towards Israel-linked vessels in revenge for Gaza war
-
Israel plans next phase of Gaza war as first hostages releasedSpeed read After four-day ceasefire 'we will not stop' until destruction of Hamas, says Israel
-
Mob storms Russian airport 'looking for Jews'Speed Read Plane from Israel surrounded by rioters chanting antisemitic slogans after landing in Russia's Dagestan region
