Why The U.S. Special Forces Raid In Somalia Was Not A 'Failure'

Why The Navy SEAL Raid In Somalia Was Not A 'Failure' -- Business Insider

The realization that the Navy SEALs had not gotten their target in Somalia swept through the media like a tsunami in the days following the raid.

Largely the headlines or subsequent body text made use of the word "failed" to describe the mission.

Yes, the group of SEALs were noticed by a lucky militant taking a smoke break, who walked back inside without showing that he had seen them, before coming out with reinforcements and guns blazing, forcing the SEALs to retreat without killing their target.

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My Comment: The operation could have ended badly .... but it did not. On that point alone the raid should not be considered a failure.In addition .... this al Shabaab commander now knows that he is on the top of a list of U.S. targets .... that alone will keep and his associates cautious and on their toes for the foreseeable future thereby limiting their exposure and scale of operations.