U.S. forces rescue hostages from Somali criminals after 3 months

[News_Editor]

U.S. forces rescue hostages from Somali criminals after 3 months

2012-01-26 15:57:34 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday announced that two American and Danish hostages were rescued from Somali criminals on late Tuesday, three months after they were kidnapped.

Jessica Buchanan, 32, an American citizen employed by the Danish Demining Group, and her Danish colleague, Poul Thisted, 60, were kidnapped at gunpoint by criminals near the city of Galkayo in the north-central Mudug region of Somalia on October 25, 2011.

On Tuesday night, U.S. Special Operations Forces were able to rescue both individuals safely after Obama authorized the rescue mission the previous day. According to reports, nine criminals were killed during the operation.

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta added that the successful hostage rescue was undertaken in a hostile environment. No details have been released regarding the location where the two hostages were kept, but neither two were injured during the rescue operation nor any of the personnel.

"Thanks to the extraordinary courage and capabilities of our Special Operations Forces, yesterday Jessica Buchanan was rescued and she is on her way home," Obama said. "As Commander-in-Chief, I could not be prouder of the troops who carried out this mission, and the dedicated professionals who supported their efforts."

Meanwhile, Panetta expressed his deepest gratitude to all the military and civilian men and women who supported the rescue operation.

"This was a team effort and required close coordination, especially between the Department of Defense and our colleagues in the Federal Bureau of Investigation," Panetta said. "They are heroes and continue to inspire all of us by their bravery and service to our nation."

"The United States will not tolerate the abduction of our people, and will spare no effort to secure the safety of our citizens and to bring their captors to justice," Obama underlined. "This is yet another message to the world that the United States of America will stand strongly against any threats to our people."

Ann Mary Olsen of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), of which the Danish Demining Group is a unit of, said both victims are unharmed and on their way to a secure location where they will receive proper care and be reunited with their families. "I have been in contact with the families, who are off course very relieved and happy," she said.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2012-01-26

[Ulysses G.]

Good work Navy Seals.

[Steely Dan]

I hope people aren't too upset if Somali airspace was violated.

[BookMan]

Hope it sends a message to these Somali thugs.

[JUDAS]

Bravo.

[chuckd]

Seems there were no surviving hostage takers.

"The militants fired first and the SEALs quickly responded, killing all nine hostage takers in a matter of seconds. When the hostages were secured everyone left on combat helicopters for Camp Lemonnier in neighboring Djibouti.

The captors were heavily armed and had explosives on them, Little said. There were no known survivors among the kidnappers. No Americans were injured during the raid, he said."

Read more:

http://www.foxnews.c.../#ixzz1kZ8zOlP7

[rijb]

When you care enough to send the very best.

[beechguy]

Good work Navy Seals.

Agreed, but surprised someone hasn't complained that it was an illegal action or that the hostage takers rights have been abused.

[metisdead]

A baiting post has been removed.