(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) The US on Thursday confirmed media reports that it had conducted a hostage rescue operation in Yemen to retrieve an American citizen last month.
In a statement released by the Pentagon, Spokesperson Rear Admiral John Kirby said, however, that journalist and photographer Luke Somers "not present at the targeted location." "Some hostages were rescued," he said, adding that they were held by Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).
"Details about the mission remain classified," Kirby said, but revealed that the operation "was conducted in partnership with the armed forces of Yemen and involved air and ground components." He noted that the Obama Administration is "only acknowledging the fact of the operation now to provide accurate information given that it is being widely reported in the public domain," and reiterated that "the United States government is committed to the safety and well-being of its citizens, particularly those suffering in captivity." Kirby further stressed that the government employs "the full breadth of our military, intelligence, law enforcement, and diplomatic capabilities to bring people home whenever we can," and the US "will not tolerate the abduction of our people, and will work tirelessly to secure the safety of our citizens and to hold their captors accountable"
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