It was second failed bid to free American journalist, South African teacher was to be released tomorrow
Al Qaeda terrorists killed two hostages – American photojournalist luke Somers and South African teacher Pierre Korki – during a rescue attempt mounted by US commandoes in Yemen’s Shabwa province late on Friday.
While it was the second failed American bid to rescue Somers, there was added poignancy to the fate of Korki who, according to South African media reports, was due to be released by his captors on Sunday after negotiations undertaken by an aid organization.
In the commando operation, conducted in partnership with the Yemeni government, 10 militants were killed, Yemen’s Defence Ministry said. But some reports quoting eyewitnesses said two Al Qaeda militants and eight civilians were killed.
The 33-year-old Somers, abducted from the Yemeni capital of Sanaa in September last year, was apparently shot by his captors as the raid unfolded and was badly wounded when the commandoes reached him, The New York Times reported citing a US official.
By the time the commandoes flew Somers to a naval ship in the region, he had died from his injuries, the official said. Offering his deepest condolences to the families of the two hostages, Obama referred to the video released by Somers’ captors earlier this week, announcing that he would be killed within 72 hours. “Other information also indicated luke’s life was in imminent danger. Based on this assessment, and as soon as there was reliable intelligence and an operational plan, I authorised a rescue attempt yesterday (Friday). I also authorised the rescue of any other hostages held in the same location as luke,” Obama said.
Defending the failed operation, Obama said: “It is my highest responsibility to do everything possible to protect American citizens. As this and previous hostage rescue operations demonstrate, the United States will spare no effort to use all of its military, intelligence, and diplomatic capabilities to bring Americans home safely, wherever they are located.
In the earlier rescue effort last month, US commandoes raided a remote cave, freeing eight other hostages but failing to locate Somers. In respect of Korkie, the South African national, the relief group Gift of the Givers said in a statement that he was to be released on Sunday.