Father of slain Navy SEAL wants investigation

The father of the Navy SEAL killed in last month’s raid on an al Qaeda compound in Yemen wants an investigation into his son’s death.

“Don’t hide behind my son’s death to prevent an investigation,” Chief Special Warfare Operator William “Ryan” Owens’s father told the Miami Herald, referencing President Trump’s response to those who have criticized the mission. 

“I want an investigation. … The government owes my son an investigation,” Bill Owens said.

{mosads}Ryan Owens was killed last month during a raid on al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). U.S. Central Command said it killed 14 AQAP operatives during the mission. 

But reports following the raid also said up to 30 civilians may have been killed as a result of the mission.

Trump criticized Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) earlier this month for questioning the raid.

“Sen. McCain should not be talking about the success or failure of a mission to the media. Only emboldens the enemy!” Trump wrote on Twitter at the time.

“He’s been losing so … long he doesn’t know how to win anymore, just look at the mess our country is in — bogged down in conflict all over the place. Our hero … Ryan died on a winning mission (according to General Mattis), not a ‘failure.’ Time for the U.S. to get smart and start winning again!”

During his interview with the Herald, Bill Owens questioned the timing of the mission.

“Why at this time did there have to be this stupid mission when it wasn’t even barely a week into his administration? Why?” Owens asked.

“For two years prior, there were no boots on the ground in Yemen — everything was missiles and drones — because there was not a target worth one American life. Now, all of a sudden we had to make this grand display?’’