Eyewitnesses in Yemen describe U.S. raid: 'Everyone who tried to run, they killed them'
During President Trump's joint address to Congress last month, he acknowledged the widow of Navy SEAL Ryan Owens, who was killed in a U.S. raid in Yemen in January. "I just spoke to [Defense Secretary James] Mattis, who reconfirmed that, and I quote, 'Ryan was a part of a highly successful raid that generated large amounts of vital intelligence that will lead to many more victories in the future against our enemies," Trump said.
But eyewitnesses of the attack in Yemen have raised questions about America's version of the events, The Intercept reports. In addition to Owens' death, the attack left at least 25 civilians dead, including ten children:
The villagers also raised questions about some of the Pentagon's claims, such as that the women who were killed in the attacks were armed. The villagers noted that in the region, women using weapons is considered dishonorable. Villagers also pointed out "the practical implausibility of women clutching babies while also firing rifles," The Intercept writes.
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"Everyone who tried to run, they killed them," said Sheikh Aziz al Ameri, who "lost 20 members of his extended family, six of them children, the youngest only 3 months old." Read the full report at The Intercept.
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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.
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