U.S. and South African hostages killed during failed rescue attempt in Yemen

9 years ago | Posted in: Latest Politics News | 595 Views

An American photojournalist and another hostage from South Africa held by al-Qaeda’s Yemen branch have been killed in a failed U.S. rescue attempt.

Speaking in Afghanistan Saturday, U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Somers “and a second non-U.S. citizen hostage were murdered” by al-Qaeda militants during the raid.

“Yesterday by the order of the president of the United States, U.S. special operations forces conducted a mission in Yemen to rescue a U.S. citizen Luke Somers and any other foreign nationals held hostage with him,” Hagel said. “There were compelling reasons to believe Somers’ life was in imminent danger.”

The aid group Gift of Givers have identified the second hostage as South African teacher Pierre Korkie, who the group said was to be released Sunday. They said he was to be flown out of Yemen “under diplomatic cover, then to meet with family members in a ‘safe’ country, (and) fly to South Africa.”.. see more

source: mashable

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