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Yemen raid that killed 30 civilians and US Navy SEAL uncovered 'no actionable intelligence', officials say

Pentagon says raid secured laptops, hard drives and mobile phones

Samuel Osborne
Thursday 02 March 2017 04:25 EST
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Carryn Owens, wife of Navy SEAL William 'Ryan' Owens, was a guest as US President Donald Trump recognised Mr Owens at a joint session of the US Congress
Carryn Owens, wife of Navy SEAL William 'Ryan' Owens, was a guest as US President Donald Trump recognised Mr Owens at a joint session of the US Congress (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)

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The US raid in Yemen that resulted in the death of a Navy SEAL and up to 30 civilians reportedly uncovered "no actionable intelligence".

Although the Pentagon said the Navy SEAL raid secured laptops, hard drives and mobile phones, multiple US officials told NBC News none of the intelligence gained has been actionable or vital.

Vice President Mike Pence has denied reports the raid yielded no significant intelligence.

In an interview with CBS This Morning, Mr Pence noted that Defence Secretary James Mattis confirmed again that "significant intelligence was gathered" in the January military operation.

Mr Pence said the data Mr Owens died helping to collect will "lead to the safety and security of the American people."

Almost every big claim Trump made at address to Congress was false

William "Ryan" Owens, 36, a married father of three, was the first known US combat casualty since President Donald Trump took office.

His widow, Carryn Owens, was a guest at Mr Trump's address to Congress earlier this week, prompting an extended standing ovation from the joint chamber.

"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," Mr Trump said, quoting Mr Mattis.

"Ryan died as he lived: a warrior, and a hero, battling against terrorism and securing our nation," Mr Trump added.

The Associated Press quoted a US official describing a three-page list of information gathered from the raid, including information on al-Qaida training techniques and targeting priorities.

But Mr Owens' death, as well as the killing of several civilians, has raised questions about the effectiveness of the raid.

Mr Owens' father, Bill, has called for an investigation into the planning of the raid and criticised the Trump administration for its timing.

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