Hostage-Rescue Mission Fails

Al-Qaida terrorists in Yemen mortally wounded two hostages – and American and a South African – before U.S. special-operations troops could rescue them during a Dec. 6 raid. The dead were identified as Luke Somers, a photojournalist, and Pierre Korkie. According to subsequent media reports, the South African government and the terrorists had reached an agreement to release Korkie the following day. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel defended the decision to move forward with the rescue attempt, saying Somers’ life was in danger. He called their deaths “murder,” and thanked the troops who took part in the mission for their efforts. “Yesterday’s mission is a reminder of America’s unrelenting commitment to the safety of our fellow citizens – wherever they might be around the world,” Hagel said.