White House says Yemen raid critics dishonor slain SEAL

February 09, 2017 07:58

The White House said that any criticism of a US special forces raid in Yemen in which civilians were killed is an insult to the memory of the Navy Seal who died.

Spokesman Sean Spicer yesterday defended last month's raid that resulted in the death of around 14 suspected Al Qaeda operatives, several civilians including children and Navy SEAL William Owens.

The January 29 raid -- the first major counterterror operation of Trump's presidency -- also has prompted Yemen to rethink its cooperation with Washington.

"It's absolutely a success and anyone who suggests it's not does a disservice to Ryan Owens," said Spicer.

Questions have been raised about whether the Trump administration adequately planned the raid -- with the president reportedly approving the action over dinner.

Senator John McCain, a member of Trump's Republican party, has called the raid a "failure."

"The action that was taken in Yemen was a huge success," said Spicer. "American lives will be saved because of it... future attacks will be prevented."

"I think any suggestion otherwise, is a disservice to his courageous life and the actions that he took, full stop."

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