USA: Pentagon says it attempted rescue of two hostages in Afghanistan
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 9 September 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, USA: Pentagon says it attempted rescue of two hostages in Afghanistan, 9 September 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58189d5ba.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
September 09, 2016
U.S Special Operations Forces launched a rescue mission to retrieve two men kidnapped by insurgents in Afghanistan last month, but the hostages were not there when the rescue team arrived, U.S. defense officials say.
Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said the rescue mission was approved by Defense Secretary Ash Carter and authorized by President Barack Obama.
Cook said no U.S. personnel or civilians were injured. He declined to provide more details, citing the need "to protect the safety of hostages and operational security."
According to defense officials, the mission was delayed one day because of questions about whether the hostages, an American and an Australian who worked at the American University of Afghanistan, were there.
When U.S. commandos arrived at the house where they believed the hostages were held, they killed seven enemy fighters, the officials said.
The two men were kidnapped from their vehicle as they traveled from the university to their residence in Kabul on August 7. The rescue was attempted not long after their kidnapping.
The rescue attempt occurred before militants stormed American University on August 24 in an attack that left 16 people dead.
Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
