REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
The Pentagon has identified the Navy SEAL killed during a weekend raid in Yemen. William “Ryan” Owens, a 36-year-old SEAL from Peoria, Illinois who lived in Virginia Beach, died during the raid. Three other U.S. servicemembers were also wounded and 14 Al-Qaeda members were reportedly killed. The raid, authorized by the Trump administration, reportedly targeted computer materials believed to have possibly contained information on terrorists. A number of civilians, including seven children, were reportedly killed.
"I extend my condolences to the family and shipmates of Chief Petty Officer William 'Ryan' Owens," Secretary of Defense James Mattis said in a Monday statement. "Ryan gave his full measure for our nation, and in performing his duty, he upheld the noblest standard of military service. The United States would not long exist were it not for the selfless commitment of such warriors. I thank our gallant troops and their families for their dedication to protecting this nation, and I pass our respects to Ryan's family in this most difficult time."