U.S. Navy SEALs Free Two Hostages, Killing NINE Somalia Kidnappers in Process

U.S. Navy file photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Anthony Harding

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* USA Today had the following AP report posted up on their website early this Wednesday morning and it starts off like this… U.S. Navy SEALs parachuted into Somalia under cover of darkness early Wednesday and crept up to an outdoor camp where an American woman and Danish man were being held hostage. Soon, nine kidnappers were dead and both hostages were freed… President Obama himself authorized the mission two days earlier, and minutes after he gave his State of the Union address to Congress he was on the phone with the American's father to tell him his daughter was safe…

Read the full report at link below…

U.S. military raid in Somalia frees American, Dane

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This news video posted on the web by AP

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SECDEF Releases Statement on Hostage Rescue Operation in Somalia

Release Date: Wednesday morning - 1/25/2012 -- From the Department of Defense

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  WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta released the following statement Jan. 25 regarding the hostage rescue operation in Somalia:

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  Last night U.S. Special Operations Forces conducted, by order of the President of the United States, a successful mission in Somalia to rescue two individuals taken hostage on October 25, 2011. Ms. Jessica Buchanan, an American citizen employed by the Danish Demining Group, and her Danish colleague, Mr. Poul Thisted, were kidnapped at gunpoint by criminal suspects near Galcayo, Somalia.

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  Ms. Buchanan and Mr. Thisted have been transported to a safe location where we will evaluate their health and make arrangements for them to return home.

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  This successful hostage rescue, undertaken in a hostile environment, is a testament to the superb skills of courageous service members who risked their lives to save others. I applaud their efforts, and I am pleased that Ms. Buchanan and Mr. Thisted were not harmed during the operation. This mission demonstrates our military's commitment to the safety of our fellow citizens wherever they may be around the world.

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  I am grateful to report that there was no loss of life or injuries to our personnel.

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  I express my deepest gratitude to all the military and civilian men and women who supported this 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. They are heroes and continue to inspire all of us by their bravery and service to our nation.

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I do not say this often but on this one… GOOD JOB Mr. President!

I could not be prouder of all those involved but mostly of those brave men that carried out this mission so successfully. You guys are just, AWESOME!

You Make Our Nation Proud!

AubreyJ………

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Somali Pirates kill all four American hostages aboard the Yacht S/V Quest

Somali Pirates kill all four American hostages aboard the Yacht S/V Quest- All Pirates were killed or captured

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

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U.S. Forces Respond To Gunfire Aboard The S/V Quest

CENTCOM Public Affairs

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

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At approximately 1 a.m. EST today, while negotiations were ongoing to secure the release of four American hostages, U.S. forces responded to gunfire aboard the pirated vessel (S/V) Quest. As they responded to the gunfire, reaching and boarding the Quest, the forces discovered all four hostages had been shot by their captors. Despite immediate steps to provide life-saving care, all four hostages ultimately died of their wounds.

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“We express our deepest condolences for the innocent lives callously lost aboard the Quest,” said Gen James N. Mattis, U.S. Central Command Commander.

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During the boarding of the Quest, the reaction force was engaged by pirates on board the vessel. Two pirates died during the confrontation and 13 were captured and detained along with two pirates already in US Forces custody. The US Forces also found the remains of two other pirates already dead aboard the Quest.  In total, it is believed 19 pirates were involved in the hijacking of the S/V Quest.

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US Forces have been closely monitoring the S/V Quest for approximately 3 days, once it became known to be pirated. Four U.S. Navy warships comprised the response force dedicated to recovering the S/V Quest: the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), the guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS Bulkeley (DDG 84). The ships are deployed to the region to conduct maritime security operations and to provide support to operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

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Questions can be addressed to U.S. Central Command at 813-827-5895

- Press Release by CENTCOM -

U.S. Navy file photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jared M. King
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U.S. Navy: 4 American Hostages Killed by Pirates

About this News Video: Four Americans taken hostage by Somali pirates off East Africa were shot and killed by their captors Monday, the U.S. military said, the first time that sea bandits have killed U.S. Hostages. (Feb. 22)

This video posted on YouTube by AssociatedPress.

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Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and all their families, friends and loved ones

AubreyJ.........



South Koreans Relieved But Now Turn Anger At Hostages

South Korea's relief at the release of 19 countrymen held hostage by the Taliban gave way Friday to anger at the victims themselves, members of a Christian church who are being criticized for ignoring warnings against travel to Afghanistan... Critics said the group's actions forced their government into negotiations with the Islamic militants that damaged the nation's international reputation...
Read this story in full at Forbes.com