A US journalist was killed by the Al-Qaeda group in Yemen during rescue operation conducted by U.S. commandos to free him. Al-Qaeda had earlier threatened to execute him.
In a statement, US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said that U.S. special operations forces conducted the raid to save Luke Somers who was in “imminent danger”, but was murdered by the terrorist group.
“Both Mr. Somers and a second non-U.S. citizen hostage were murdered by the AQAP (al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula) terrorists during the course of the operation,” Hagel said adding “On behalf of the men and women of the U.S. armed forces, I extend our condolences, thoughts, and prayers to their families and loved ones.”
Photo: Hani Mohammed/AP
The 33-year-old freelance photojournalist Luke Somers was kidnapped on a busy street by Al-Qaeda terrorists in September 2013 from the Yemeni capital, Sanaa.
“I offer my deepest condolences to Luke’s family and to his loved ones,” President Obama said.
“I also offer my thoughts and prayers to the family of a non-U.S. citizen hostage who was also murdered by these terrorists during the rescue operation. Their despair and sorrow at this time are beyond words,” he added.
(Additional Input: The Washington Post)
Tags: Al Qaeda Chuck Hagel Luke Somers Yemen
