2014 hostage rescue operations in Yemen

US-Yemeni operations against al-Qaeda the al-Qaeda insurgency in Yemen and the war on terror Hagel Press Conference December 6 2014.jpg United States Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel at a press conference after the second rescue attempt. First attempt: 2014 11 25 ySecond attempt: 2014 12 06 y Yemen Hajr as-Say'ar District, Hadhramaut Governorate (first raid) Dafaar, Nisab District, Shabwah Governorate (second raid) First attempt Mission successful Eight hostages freed Somers and four other hostages moved to different location Second attempt Mission failure Luke Somers and Pierre Korkie killed Other three hostages unfound United States Yemen Yemen ISIL al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula United States Barack Obama United States Chuck Hagel United States Raymond A. Thomas Yemen Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi Yemen Ali Hasan al-Ahmadi ISIL Jamal Mubarak al-Hard al-Daghari al-Awlaki First raid: United States Two dozen DEVGRU operators MH-60 helicopters flown by 160th Night Stalkers Yemen Yemen Small group of special forces Second raid: United States 40 DEVGRU operators 2 V-22 Osprey tiltrotors Yemen Yemen Small number of Yemeni soldiers ISIL 7 AQAP guards (first raid) ISIL 6 AQAP guards (second raid) 1 Yemeni soldier wounded (first raid)http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/11/25/Yemeni-forces-free-eight-hostages-kill-seven-kidnappers.html Yemeni forces free hostages, kill kidnappers 25 November 2014 13 killed (7 in first raid, 6 in second raid) 2 hostages killed8 Yemeni civilians killedNY Times, 2 Hostages Killed in Yemen as U.S. Rescue Effort Fails, By KAREEM FAHIM and ERIC SCHMITTDEC. 6, 2014, "In the village where the rescue attempt took place, in the southern province of Shabwah, a tribal leader, Tarek al-Daghari al-Awlaki, said the American commandos had raided four houses, killing at least two militants but also eight civilians."https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/07/world/middleeast/hostage-luke-somers-is-killed-in-yemen-during-rescue-attempt-american-official-says.html 2014 hostage rescue operations in Yemen In late 2014, the United States and Yemen conducted a series of military operations to rescue multiple hostages held by al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). U.S. involvement in the missions were primarily motivated by the captivity of American journalist Luke Somers, who was kidnapped by AQAP in 2013.Onyanga-Omara Jane 2014-11-27 U.S. journalist was sought in Yemen hostage raid, report says https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/11/27/journalist-yemen-raid/19570969/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20230204170026/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/11/27/journalist-yemen-raid/19570969/ 2023-02-04 2024-11-20 USA Today en-US The first raid, attempted on 25 November 2014, involved American and Yemeni special forces assaulting a cave in Hadhramaut governorate housing the hostages, killing seven AQAP fighters in the process. The raid rescued eight hostages of various nationalities, but they did not include Somers or South African teacher Pierre Korkie, who were moved to another area alongside three other hostages prior to the raid.Martinez Luis 2014-11-27 Yemenis Say American Moved Days Before Special Ops Mission to Free Hostages in Yemen https://abcnews.go.com/International/special-ops-team-frees-al-qaeda-hostages-yemeni/story?id=27194197 live https://web.archive.org/web/20141201012723/https://abcnews.go.com/International/special-ops-team-frees-al-qaeda-hostages-yemeni/story?id=27194197 2014-12-01 2024-09-15 ABC News en Later in December, AQAP released a video threatening to kill Somers within three days, prompting another rescue mission on 6 December 2014 in Shabwah governorate. Navy SEALs attempted to infiltrate the AQAP compound containing the hostages, but they were prematurely spotted by the guards, leading to a firefight. Upon entering the compound, Somers and Korkie were found shot, while the other hostages were missing. Both Somers and Korkie died while being transported to receive care.2014-12-06 Hostages Luke Somers and Pierre Korkie killed during rescue attempt in Yemen https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/hostages-luke-somers-and-pierre-korkie-killed-during-rescue-attempt-in-yemen-1.2862963 live https://web.archive.org/web/20141207000328/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/hostages-luke-somers-and-pierre-korkie-killed-during-rescue-attempt-in-yemen-1.2862963 2014-12-07 2024-09-14 CBC Somers' death, occurring five months after the failed rescue attempt of James Foley, resulted in scrutiny over the United States' hostage policy, which restricts any official government negotiations or ransom considerations.MacAskill Ewen 2014-12-08 Failed Yemen rescue attempt highlights US forces' recent poor recovery record https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/08/failed-yemen-hostage-rescue-highlights-us-forces-poor-recovery-record-luke-somers-pierre-korkie 2024-11-23 The Guardian en-GB 0261-30772014-12-08 U.S.-led hostage rescues rarely successful, always dangerous https://www.cbsnews.com/news/u-s-led-hostage-rescues-rarely-successful-always-dangerous/ 2024-11-23 CBS News en-USThompson Mark 2014-12-07 Handicapping the SEAL Raid to Rescue Luke Somers in Yemen https://time.com/3622579/navy-seal-raid-luke-somers-yemen/ 2024-11-23 Time en Additional controversy was directed at the fact that Korkie was set to be released by AQAP one day after the raid as a result of civilian negotiations with the group. No other U.S.-led ground operation in Yemen would be officially acknowledged by the American government until 2017.Schmitt Eric Sanger David E. 2017-02-01 Raid in Yemen: Risky From the Start and Costly in the End https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/01/world/middleeast/donald-trump-yemen-commando-raid-questions.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20241123005509/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/01/world/middleeast/donald-trump-yemen-commando-raid-questions.html 2024-11-23 2024-11-24 The New York Times Background Kidnapping has been a tactic used by groups in Yemen since the 1990s in order to receive concessions from the Yemeni government or the hostages' nation.Al-Muslimi Farea 2014-03-31 In Yemen, kidnapping is a business https://www.executive-magazine.com/opinion/comment/yemen-kidnapping-growing-business 2024-11-19 Executive en-US Yemeni tribesmen have often used kidnappings as a bargaining chip to force the government to improve their living standards and local infrastructure, as well as to release imprisoned members of their tribe.1998-12-28 16 Western tourists reported kidnapped in Yemen https://www.cnn.com/WORLD/meast/9812/28/yemen.kidnapping/ dead https://web.archive.org/web/20240623210339/https://www.cnn.com/WORLD/meast/9812/28/yemen.kidnapping/ 2024-06-23 2024-11-19 CNNCoombs Casey L. Craig Iona Currier Cora 2014-12-11 U.S. Scuttled Negotiations to Free American Killed in Yemen https://theintercept.com/2014/12/11/u-s-scuttled-negotiations-free-american-killed-yemen/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20240317235343/https://theintercept.com/2014/12/11/u-s-scuttled-negotiations-free-american-killed-yemen/ 2024-03-17 2024-11-25 The Intercept en-US Kidnappings in Yemen have rarely resulted in the harming or murder of the hostage. Formed in 2009, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula has often used foreigner kidnappings for monetary gain, demanding ransoms for their hostages in order to fund their activities.Fanusie Yaya J. Entz Alex 2017-07-24 Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula Financial Assessment https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/defenddemocracy/uploads/documents/CSIF_TFBB_AQAP_web.pdf live https://web.archive.org/web/20241007142500/https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/defenddemocracy/uploads/documents/CSIF_TFBB_AQAP_web.pdf 2024-10-07 2024-11-19 Foundation for Defense of Democracies The group particularly targets foreigners from European states due to their willingness to secure their citizens at all costs, allowing for AQAP to secure multi-million dollar payouts in some cases.Ali Ibrahim 2022-12-24 Kidnapping Foreigners in Yemen: A Funding Source for the Terrorist Groups with International Mediations https://south24.net/news/images/news/ZG9jc18xNjcyMDEzNzYz.pdf 2024-11-24 South24 Center In contrast, South Africa and the United States have a hardline policy of not paying ransoms.Callimachi Rukmini 2014-12-07 At 6, Awaiting Hostage's Release. After 8, Learning That He's Dead. https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/08/world/middleeast/hostage-nearly-free-on-ransom-killed-during-seal-raid.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240610103026/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/08/world/middleeast/hostage-nearly-free-on-ransom-killed-during-seal-raid.html 2024-06-10 2024-11-25 The New York Times Ransoming foreigners constitutes a significant portion of AQAP's income, with the group amassing a reported $30 million from kidnappings between 2011 and 2013. Yemeni officials stated in early 2014 that around 30 percent of kidnappings in the country were perpetrated by AQAP. In contrast to the Islamic State, AQAP had never murdered their foreign hostages prior to the rescue missions, instead boasting about their superior treatment of captives and condemning ISIL's beheadings.Sterman David 2022-04-04 America's Endless Counterterrorism War in Yemen https://www.newamerica.org/future-security/reports/americas-endless-counterterrorism-war-in-yemen/3-evaluating-the-threat-from-aqap/ 2024-11-25 New America en Since 2009, the United States government has been leading a counterterrorism campaign against AQAP, targeting the group in order to reduce its ability to attack American targets.2023-02-26 America's Counterterrorism Wars https://www.newamerica.org/future-security/reports/americas-counterterrorism-wars/the-war-in-yemen/ 2024-11-26 New America en The primary component of this campaign has been the usage of drone strikes for targeted killings against the groups leaders, though the U.S. has also sent special forces units in non-combat roles to train Yemeni soldiers.Baldor Lolita C. 2010-09-08 U.S. training in Yemen reflects wider quest https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna39062472 2024-11-26 NBC News en In 2011, amid the chaos of the Yemeni revolution, AQAP seized pockets of territory in southern Yemen.Zimmerman Katherine 2012-10-19 Al Qaeda in Yemen: Countering the Threat from the Arabian Peninsula https://www.criticalthreats.org/analysis/al-qaeda-in-yemen-countering-the-threat-from-the-arabian-peninsula 2024-11-26 Critical Threats In response, the United States launched an unprecedented amount of drone strikes against the group in 2012 and sent additional ground forces to train Yemeni soldiers participating in the military offensive to reclaim the lost territory.2012-05-21 Deaths in US drone strikes https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2012/5/21/deaths-in-us-drone-strikes-in-yemen 2024-11-26 Al Jazeera enApps Peter 2012-06-06 As violence rises, U.S., allies pulled into Yemen https://jp.reuters.com/article/world/as-violence-rises-us-allies-pulled-into-yemen-idUSDEE8550H0/ 2024-11-26 Reuters en-GB Hostages +Nationalities and status of the hostagesCountryNumberStatusUnited States1KilledYemen76 rescued, 1 unknownSaudi Arabia1RescuedEthiopia1RescuedSouth Africa1KilledUnited Kingdom1UnknownTurkey1UnknownTotal138 rescued, 2 killed, 3 unknown Kidnappings and negotiations Luke Somers, a British-born American citizen and freelance journalist who worked for multiple local news agencies such as the Yemen Times and the National Yemen, was kidnapped by AQAP gunmen while exiting a Sana'a supermarket in September 2013.2014-12-06 Profile: Luke Somers https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-30336026 2024-11-19 BBC News en-GB The American government imposed a media blackout on reports about Somers for the next years, with local news outlets being the ones to initially report his kidnapping. Somers' family was advised by the FBI not to publicly acknowledge his captivity.Root Tik 2015-06-25 Luke Somers's mother on kidnapping: I blame the US more than I do al-Qaida https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jun/25/luke-somers-kidnapping-islamic-state-yemen-fbi 2024-11-24 The Guardian en-GB 0261-3077 According to The Intercept, negotiations for the release of Somers were done between AQAP and a mediator, with the talks going as to discuss the ransom price until April 2014, when the United States ceased all discussions and rejected any more mediation from tribal leaders.2014-12-04 Luke Somers, U.S. hostage, threatened in Yemen al-Qaeda video https://www.cbc.ca/news/luke-somers-u-s-hostage-threatened-in-yemen-al-qaeda-video-1.2860301 2024-11-24 CBC News The group reportedly had no plans of killing Somers prior to the first rescue attempt. Pierre Korkie, a South African teacher who had been working in Yemen for four year, was kidnapped by AQAP alongside his wife Yolande Korkie outside a hotel in Ta'iz in May 2013.Smith David 2014-12-07 South African hostage Pierre Korkie was hours from release, charity claims https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/07/south-african-hostage-pierre-korkie-charity# 2024-11-25 The Guardian en-GB 0261-3077 Negotiations between AQAP and South African charity Gift of the Givers lead to the release of Yolande on 10 January 2014 without any payment, though the group still demanded $3 million for the release of Pierre.2014-12-06 Profile: Pierre Korkie https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-30361452 2024-11-25 BBC News en-GB After a prolonged silence, in August 2014 a tribal delegation representing the charity convinced AQAP to lower the ransom price of Korkie to $700,000, which they did in October 2014. In November 2014, the tribal mediators were killed in a drone strike while travelling to meet with AQAP again. On 26 November 2014, AQAP decided to lower the ransom price to $200,000, which they promised to use in order to reimburse the families of the dead tribesmen. Korkie's release was scheduled to be on 7 December, with him being flown out of Yemen under diplomatic cover to a safe nation to meet his family before being transported to South Africa.2014-12-08 Yemen hostage shootout: U.S. didn't know about negotiations https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/yemen-hostage-shootout-u-s-didn-t-know-about-negotiations-1.2863967 2024-11-24 CBC News7 December 2014 Yemen raid: US 'unaware' hostage Korkie was with Somers https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-30366455 2024-11-24 BBC News On 6 December, the same day as the second rescue attempt, tribal leaders in Aden hosted a meeting to prepare for Korkie's release and reunion with his wife and children. Gift of the Givers was warned by their AQAP contacts to keep the negotiations confidential, neither sharing their developments with the South African government or the United States. An exception to this were Yemeni authorities supervising the negotiations, though its uncertain whether or not they shared their information with the U.S. government.Murphy Brian Deane Daniela 2014-12-08 Before deadly raid in Yemen, U.S. officials 'unaware' of bid to free South African https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/before-deadly-raid-in-yemen-us-officials-unware-of-bid-to-free-south-african-captive/2014/12/08/c9b52d42-7ecf-11e4-9f38-95a187e4c1f7_story.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240707082807/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/before-deadly-raid-in-yemen-us-officials-unware-of-bid-to-free-south-african-captive/2014/12/08/c9b52d42-7ecf-11e4-9f38-95a187e4c1f7_story.html 2024-07-07 2024-11-25 The Washington Post First raid Preparation According to a Yemeni special forces soldier present in the raid, the operation was conceived after Yemeni intelligence identified AQAP members transporting 11 enchained hostages covered in blankets via pickup trucks.2014-11-27 Yemen rescuers sought U.S., British hostages in raid https://www.reuters.com/article/world/yemen-rescuers-sought-u-s-british-hostages-in-raid-idUSKCN0JB0E0/ 2024-11-21 ReutersStarr Barbara Levine Adam 2014-11-27 Raid frees eight hostages from al Qaeda stronghold, U.S. and Yemen say https://www.cnn.com/2014/11/27/world/meast/yemen-raid-frees-hostages/index.html 2024-11-21 CNN en The hostages were driven to a cave which was about 10 meters deep and 30 meters wide, and 109 km away from the hamlet of Hajr as-Say'ar in Hadhramaut. 2014-11-27 Al-Qaida escapes with British and American hostages before US special forces raid in Yemen https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/27/al-qaida-escapes-british-american-hostages-special-forces-yemen 2024-11-21 The Guardian en-GB 0261-3077 The mission was organized within two weeks after Yemeni President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi contacted the United States government for support in the operation.Schmitt Eric 2012-11-25 U.S.-Led Raid Frees 8 Qaeda Hostages From a Yemeni Cave https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/26/world/middleeast/us-led-raid-rescues-eight-held-in-yemen.html?ref=middleeast&_r=0 live https://web.archive.org/web/20220407093456/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/26/world/middleeast/us-led-raid-rescues-eight-held-in-yemen.html?ref=middleeast&_r=0 2022-04-07 2024-11-21 The New York Times Hadi may have authorized the mission in an attempt to improve his image and relationship with the United States amid the Houthi takeover of Sana'a just months earlier.Seldin Jeff 2014-11-26 US Commandos Take Part in Yemen Rescue Mission https://www.voanews.com/a/us-special-operations-commandos-take-part-in-yemen-rescue-mission/2536018.html 2024-11-22 Voice of America en Raid During the pre-dawn hours of 25 November 2014, a team of thirty soldiers composed of about two dozen U.S. Navy SEALs from DEVGRU leading a small group of Yemeni special forces flew via helicopters into Hajr as-Say'ar district.Gardner Frank 2014-11-27 Yemen raid: Rescuers missed Western hostages https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-30225146 2024-11-21 BBC News en-GBOnyanga-Omara Jane 2014-11-28 Report: SEALs led raid to find U.S. hostage in Yemen https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2014/11/28/report-seals-led-raid-to-find-u-s-hostage-in-yemen/ 2024-11-21 Military Times en Dividing into four groups, the soldiers travelled 7 km through the mountainous area until reaching the cave, an AQAP shelter containing the hostages. One group of SEALs, equipped with night-vision goggles, opened fire on seven AQAP fighters, 100 yards away from the entrance of the cave, who were caught by surprise from the nighttime assault.Vanden Brook Tom Cummings William 2014-11-26 U.S. commandos rescue 8 hostages in Yemen https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/11/26/american-commando-raid-yemen/70132606/ 2024-11-22 USA Today en-US After the firefight ended with all seven AQAP guards dead, the SEALs entered the cave and found eight imprisoned hostages, them being six Yemenis, one Saudi Arabian and one Ethiopian, along with AQAP cellphones and documents. The SEALs were extracted with the hostages via MH-60 helicopters piloted by 160th Night Stalkers personnel.Neville Leigh Special Forces in the War on Terror 2015 978-1-4728-0790-8 Oxford 302–303 889735079 The hostages inside the cave informed them that five other hostages, including Somers and Korkie along with a Brit, a Yemeni and a Turk, were moved two days prior to the mission. No American forces were injured in the mission, though one Yemeni soldier was lightly wounded.2014-11-25 Yemen: Eight al-Qaeda hostages rescued in Hadramawt https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-30193206 live https://web.archive.org/web/20240417175330/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-30193206 2024-04-17 2024-11-22 BBC News en-GB Second raid AQAP threat On 4 December 2014, AQAP released a video threatening to execute Somers within three days if the American government failed to meet unspecified demands.6 December 2014 Barack Obama condemns 'barbaric murder' of Luke Somers https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/11277247/Barack-Obama-condemns-barbaric-murder-of-Luke-Somers.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20150724214121/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/11277247/Barack-Obama-condemns-barbaric-murder-of-Luke-Somers.html 2015-07-24 6 December 2014 The Telegraph The three-minute video depicts AQAP commander and cleric Nasser bin Ali al-Ansi describing in Arabic various "crimes" that U.S. counterterrorism has inflicted upon the people of Yemen, Iraq, Somalia and Pakistan. 2014-12-04 Al Qaeda Group Threatens American Hostage Luke Somers in New Video https://abcnews.go.com/International/al-qaeda-group-threatens-american-hostage-video/story?id=27355020 2024-11-25 ABC News en It then shows a 30-second English statement by Somers pleading for help. Al-Ansi criticizes the U.S. government for their "failed operation" in Hadhramaut which killed seven of their "elite group of mujahedeen," warning the United States against conducting any other "foolish action."Fahim Kareem Callimachi Rukmini 2014-12-04 Qaeda Group in Yemen Threatens to Kill American Journalist by End of This Week https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/05/world/middleeast/qaeda-group-in-yemen-american-journalist.html?module=Search&mabReward=relbias%3Ar%2C& live https://web.archive.org/web/20211114131912/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/05/world/middleeast/qaeda-group-in-yemen-american-journalist.html?module=Search&mabReward=relbias%3Ar%2C& 2021-11-14 2024-11-24 The New York Times Analysts noted the three-day deadline and open threat against a foreign hostage as unusually hostile for AQAP. The same day, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby officially acknowledged the United States' involvement in the raid in November as well as their inability to retrieve Somers.Kirby John 2014-12-04 Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby on Rescue Operation in Yemen https://www.war.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/605302/statement-by-pentagon-press-secretary-rear-adm-john-kirby-on-rescue-operation-i/ 2024-11-23 U.S. Department of Defense en-US2014-12-06 US, S. African hostages killed during rescue bid in Yemen https://www.france24.com/en/20141206-yemen-hostage-killed-luke-somers-pierre-korkie-operation 2024-11-23 France 24 en Somers' family also broke their silence on the kidnapping, uploading a video on YouTube pleading AQAP to release Somers and spare him punishment for the rescue attempt, which they said they were not aware of. Preparation On 5 December, U.S. President Barack Obama and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel determined that Somers' life was in "imminent danger" and that the government had enough intelligence on the location of the hostages to conduct another raid to free the captives.Starr Barbara Sciutto Jim Sanchez Ray 2014-12-06 U.S.: Al Qaeda kills hostages during SEALs raid in Yemen https://www.cnn.com/2014/12/06/world/meast/yemen-u-s-hostage-killed/index.html 2024-11-19 CNN en The raid was approved mid-morning on December 5. The U.S. government was aware of another hostage being held with Somers, but they did not know that it was Korkie or that prior negotiations had his release set to be December 7. Raid Yemen left Location of Dafaar in Yemen. Map displaying the location of Dafaar in Yemen 1 Dafaar 9 14.48347 46.48303 On 6 December 2014 at approximately 1:00 a.m. AST (UTC+3), a group of forty DEVGRU soldiers were transported in two V-22 Ospreys from the USS Makin Island to the Wadi Abadan in Nisab District, Shabwah, about 10 km from the compound where Luke Somers and Pierre Korkie were being housed.Fahim Kareem Schmitt Eric 2014-12-06 2 Hostages Killed in Yemen as U.S. Rescue Effort Fails https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/07/world/middleeast/hostage-luke-somers-is-killed-in-yemen-during-rescue-attempt-american-official-says.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240401171352/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/07/world/middleeast/hostage-luke-somers-is-killed-in-yemen-during-rescue-attempt-american-official-says.html 2024-04-01 2024-11-19 The New York Times Despite U.S. officials stating that only their forces were present in the raid, the Yemeni government and local residents reported Yemeni soldiers participating in the operation. The compound was a house belonging to suspected AQAP member Saeed al-Daghari in Dafaar, a remote, mountainous village that had 20-40 homes within it.Ghobari Mohammed Mukhashaf Mohammed 2014-12-07 Thirteen killed in failed U.S. hostage rescue bid in Yemen https://ca.news.yahoo.com/least-13-killed-failed-u-bid-rescue-hostages-130544870.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20151017003927/https://ca.news.yahoo.com/least-13-killed-failed-u-bid-rescue-hostages-130544870.html 2015-10-17 2024-11-19 Yahoo News en-CA The compound was being guarded by about half a dozen AQAP gunmen. After hiking to Dafaar, while the SEALs were about 100 yards away from the site, an AQAP member relieving himself outside or a barking dog may have alerted the guards, leading to a firefight that lasted for about 10 minutes.Martinez Luis Raddatz Martha Candea Ben December 8, 2014 How Navy SEALs Tried Rescuing al Qaeda Hostage Luke Somers https://abcnews.go.com/International/navy-seals-rescuing-al-qaeda-hostage-luke-somers/story?id=27413796 6 December 2014 ABC NewsThompson Mark 2014-12-07 Handicapping the SEAL Raid to Rescue Luke Somers in Yemen https://time.com/3622579/navy-seal-raid-luke-somers-yemen/ 2024-11-19 Time en Tribal leader Tarek al-Daghari al-Awlaki stated that DEVGRU soldiers raided four houses in the area during the operation, killing an AQAP commander identified as Jamal Mubarak al-Hard al-Daghari al-Awlaki along with two other AQAP members, as well as eight civilians including a woman, a 10-year-old boy and a 70-year-old man. Once the SEALs killed the militants and entered the compound they found Somers and Korkie with several gunshot wounds, possibly inflicted by an AQAP guard who ran into the house shortly after being alerted to the DEVGRU raid before returning to the firefight. American medical personnel treated the wounded hostages on the ground before they left on Ospreys to the USS Makin Island for further treatment.Al-Haj Ahmed Pace Julie 2014-12-06 Obama condemns murder of U.S. hostage in Yemen https://globalnews.ca/news/1712197/2-hostages-killed-during-failed-us-rescue-attempt-in-yemen/ 2024-11-19 Global News en-US Korkie died while being operated on during the flight and Somers died while undergoing surgery abroad the vessel. The entire operation took 30 minutes, with American forces killing six AQAP fighters and suffering zero losses. Reactions Government In a written statement released after the second raid, Barack Obama offered condolences to the families of Somers and Korkie and condemned their execution by AQAP, labeling it a "barbaric murder".2014-12-06 Statement by the President on the Death of Luke Somers https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2014/12/06/statement-president-death-luke-somers 2024-11-23 White House en He reaffirmed the United States' counterterrorism and hostage rescue policy and the American government's opposition to negotiating with terrorists. While on a visit to Afghanistan, Chuck Hagel praised the operation as "extremely well-executed" while acknowledging its risk.2014-12-06 Luke Somers, South African killed in failed U.S. rescue attempt - CBS News https://www.cbsnews.com/news/american-hostage-luke-somers-killed-in-yemen-rescue-attempt/ 2024-11-24 CBS News en-US He defended the decision to go through with the rescue mission as there were "compelling reasons to believe Somers' life was in imminent danger."2014-12-06 US, South African Hostages Killed in Yemen Rescue Attempt https://www.voanews.com/a/hagel-says-hostage-is-dead/2548331.html 2024-11-24 Voice of America en U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said that the execution of Somers and Korkie was “a reminder of the brutality of the terrorists.”Stelter Brian 2014-12-06 U.S. on slain hostage Somers: 'Yemen has lost a friend today' https://www.cnn.com/2014/12/06/world/meast/luke-somers-profile/index.html 2024-11-24 CNN en On 8 December 2014, while delivering a speech at the 2014 Saban Forum in Washington, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden offered condolences to the family of Somers while praising U.S. Special Forces for their "incredible job" and the Yemeni government for their cooperation.Maloney Suzanne 2014-12-08 In a Speech to the 2014 Saban Forum, Vice President Joe Biden Plays the Mensch and Tries to Dispel "Malarkey" https://www.brookings.edu/articles/in-a-speech-to-the-2014-saban-forum-vice-president-joe-biden-plays-the-mensch-and-tries-to-dispel-malarkey/ 2024-11-23 Brookings Institution en-US The same day, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said to reporters that Obama "does not regret at all" his decision to authorize the mission to rescue Somers, citing AQAP's intent to execute Somers by the day of the raid. 2014-12-08 Obama Has No Regrets Over Failed Luke Somers Rescue Mission https://abcnews.go.com/International/white-house-obama-regrets-failed-luke-somers-rescue/story?id=27454905 2024-11-23 ABC News en Chuck Hagel later stated that the U.S. would not review their hostage rescue policy, describing it as "about as thorough as there can be" despite mentioning its risk and "imperfection."Smith David Lewis Paul Salisbury Peter 2014-12-08 US will not review rescue operations after hostages' deaths, says Hagel https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/08/us-rescue-opertions-hostages-deaths-hagel-yemen-luke-somers-pierre-korkie 2024-11-24 The Guardian en-GB 0261-3077 South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation issued a statement expressing their "deepest condolences" to the families of the victims, announcing that Korkie's body would be returned to South Africa by December 8.Kgwete Nelson 2014-12-07 Government on death of kidnapped South African, Pierre Korkie https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/government-death-kidnapped-south-african-pierre-korkie-07-dec-2014 2024-11-23 South African Government At a press conference in Pretoria, Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane defended the United States' attempt to free the hostages, stating that "the intentions were good, but the result was not what we wanted."2014-12-09 Mort d'un otage sud-africain au Yémen: Pretoria ne veut pas critiquer Washington Death of a South African hostage in Yemen: Pretoria does not want to criticize Washington https://www.africaradio.com/actualite-40585-mort-d-un-otage-sud-africain-au-yemen-pretoria-ne-veut-pas-critiquer-washington 2024-11-24 Africa Radio fr Shadow foreign minister of the Democratic Alliance party Stevens Mokgalapa called upon the South African government to “urgently engage with American representatives to get to the bottom of the circumstances that led to Mr. Korkie’s death.”Campbell John 2014-12-09 Restrained South African Reaction to the Murder of Pierre Korkie Council on Foreign Relations https://www.cfr.org/blog/restrained-south-african-reaction-murder-pierre-korkie 2024-11-24 Council on Foreign Relations en Mediators and victim families Gift of the Givers founder Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman was notified of Korkie's death the same day as the rescue mission at 8:03 a.m. SAST (UTC+2), only two hours after he had promised Yolande Korkie that she would see her husband the next day. The organization released a statement shortly after the raid, sending their condolences to the Korkie family and describing the process by which he would have been released, stating that "The psychological and emotional devastation to Yolande and her family will be compounded by the knowledge that Pierre was to be released by al-Qaeda tomorrow."2014-12-06 Pierre Korkie Killed in Attempted Hostage Release http://www.giftofthegivers.org/disaster-relief/yemen/2014-02-13-11-32-42 live https://web.archive.org/web/20141217005055/http://www.giftofthegivers.org/disaster-relief/yemen/2014-02-13-11-32-42 2014-12-17 2024-11-25 Gift of the Givers Anas Hamati, Gift of the Givers’ project director for Yemen stated that the U.S.' raid had "destroyed everything." Speaking on the rescue attempt, Sooliman said that he was not upset with the United States or their operation as they were acting in the interest of their people and likely did not know that Korkie was present with Somers. 2014-12-08 Aid Group Founder Doesn't Blame US in Death of South African Al Qaeda Hostage https://abcnews.go.com/International/friend-doesnt-blame-us-death-south-african-al/story?id=27451175 2024-11-25 ABC News en Hours after his death, Yolande Korkie sent a message to Sooliman writing:“We are devastated but I also know you all are devastated. You said in your media statement you salute me, but I wish to return this salute to you and Anas [Hamati,] and the tribes. Please accept our deep appreciation for your immeasurable commitment, as well as to Anas and the tribes. I am too emotional to speak to Anas right now. But remind him of my words to him in Sana’a: if anything happens, it is NOT his fault. And neither your or the tribes’ fault. We will speak soon, Yolande, Pieter-ben and Lize-mari.”In a press conference on 9 December 2014, Yolande Korkie said that she had forgiven her husbands captors rather than hold onto spite, thanking the United States for bringing Pierre Korkie's remains to their home and Gift of the Givers for their attempts to free him."Greene Richard Allen Swails Brent 2014-12-09 South African hostage's wife says she forgives his killers https://www.cnn.com/2014/12/09/world/meast/yemen-botched-hostage-rescue/index.html 2024-11-25 CNN enDixon Robyn 2014-12-09 Widow of South African slain in Yemen raid speaks of forgiveness https://www.latimes.com/world/africa/la-fg-yemen-widow-20141209-story.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20141227132353/https://www.latimes.com/world/africa/la-fg-yemen-widow-20141209-story.html 2014-12-27 2024-11-25 Los Angeles Times en-US Somers' half-sister and stepmother told British newspaper The Times that they were angered with the U.S.'s rescue attempt, blaming it for the death of Somers. 2014-12-08 Luke Somers' family angered by US rescue mission https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/08/luke-somers-family-angered-by-us-rescue-mission 2024-11-25 The Guardian en-GB 0261-3077 They maintain that Somers would have preferred that negotiations continued rather than a rescue mission be executed, and voiced skepticism that Somers would actually be executed by AQAP's deadline, saying that there had been "threats before that had not been carried out."2014-12-08 Luke Somers family blasts failed U.S. rescue mission in Yemen https://www.cbsnews.com/news/luke-somers-family-blasts-failed-us-rescue-mission-in-yemen/ 2024-11-25 CBS News en-US In an article from The Guardian published on 25 June 2015, Paula and Jordan Somers, Luke Somers' mother and brother, detail their lack of communication and connection with the U.S. government throughout Somers' time in captivity, Paula stating that she blames the U.S. for Somers' death rather than AQAP. AQAP On 12 December 2014, AQAP released a video through their al-Malahem Media Foundation in which they blamed Obama for making the "wrong decision", stating that the American government ignoring negotiations and proceeding with the rescue mission lead to Somers' death.Adaki Oren 2014-12-12 AQAP blames Obama administration for death of Luke Somers https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/12/aqap_blames_obama_ad.php 2024-11-23 FDD's Long War Journal en-US After the death of incarcerated al-Jama'a al-Islamiyya leader sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman on 6 March 2017, AQAP released a statement the same day in which leader Qasim al-Raymi claimed that their "only demand" for the release of Somers was the freedom of Abdel-Rahman and alleged al-Qaeda associate Aafia Siddiqui.2017-03-06 Yemen's al Qaeda leader says U.S. refused to trade 'blind sheikh' for hostage https://www.reuters.com/article/world/yemen-s-al-qaeda-leader-says-u-s-refused-to-trade-blind-sheikh-for-hostage-idUSKBN16D2BD/#:~:text=DUBAI%20(Reuters)%20%2D%20The%20leader,posted%20on%20its%20media%20channel. 2024-11-27 Reuters He said that the group had proposed a prisoner exchange with the United States but were rejected.2017-03-07 When US rejected Qaeda offer for trade-off between Abdel Rahman and hostage https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2017/03/07/Qaeda-says-US-refused-to-trade-preacher-Abdel-Rahman-for-American-hostage 2024-11-28 Al Arabiya English en Aftermath U.S. hostage policy In December 2014, the U.S. government began an internal review of their hostage policy.2015-06-24 Families negotiating ransom for U.S. hostages won't be prosecuted, Obama says https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/families-negotiating-ransom-for-u-s-hostages-won-t-be-prosecuted-obama-says-1.3125443 2024-11-25 CBC News Led by Homeland Security Advisor Lisa Monaco and Lieutenant General Bennet Sacolick, the initiative focused on streamlining and improving communications with the families of hostages, consulting over a hundred U.S. officials, five foreign governments and 24 hostage families, inducing the family of Luke Somers.2015-06-25 Obama clears way for hostages' families to pay ransom https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/6/25/obama-clears-way-for-hostages-families-to-pay-ransom 2024-11-26 Al Jazeera en Common complaints from the families included inconsistent interactions between them and federal officials, distribution of confusing and contradictory information from the government and anger in part due to threats of criminal charges if they considered paying ransoms.Pace Julie 2015-06-25 Obama: US government has let down hostages' families https://apnews.com/united-states-government-7fdee995cf3942ce8708b8604270d906 2024-11-26 AP News en On 24 June 2015, President Obama announced that the review had been concluded and several new policies had been put in place for hostage situations, including official permission for the U.S. government to communicate and negotiate with hostage takers.Davis Julie Hirschfeld 2015-06-24 In Hostage-Terrorist Policy Shift, Obama Admits Failures https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/25/world/middleeast/obama-softens-policy-on-hostage-negotiations-with-terrorist-groups.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240705235719/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/25/world/middleeast/obama-softens-policy-on-hostage-negotiations-with-terrorist-groups.html 2024-07-05 2024-11-25 The New York Times Other introductions included the permission of hostage families to negotiate and pay ransoms to free captives without facing prosecution and the establishment of a dedicated Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell to streamline and improve communications between families and the government.Abdullah Halimah 2015-06-24 Obama Announces Change in Hostage Policy https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/watch-obama-announce-new-hostage-policy-n381011 2024-11-26 NBC News enDiamond Jeremy Serfaty Sunlen 2015-06-23 White House says more than 30 Americans held hostage abroad CNN Politics https://www.cnn.com/2015/06/23/politics/hostage-policy-review-changes-white-house/index.html 2024-11-26 CNN en Obama reiterated that the government's policy to not pay ransoms to kidnappers would remain. U.S. activities in Yemen The remaining 125 U.S. special forces soldiers advising the Yemeni military were withdrawn in March 2015 amid the collapse of the Hadi government and the Houthi takeover of power.Miller Greg 2015-04-05 Al-Qaeda franchise in Yemen exploits chaos to rebuild, officials say https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/al-qaeda-franchise-in-yemen-exploits-chaos-to-rebuild-officials-say/2015/04/04/207208da-d88f-11e4-ba28-f2a685dc7f89_story.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20150627175349/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/al-qaeda-franchise-in-yemen-exploits-chaos-to-rebuild-officials-say/2015/04/04/207208da-d88f-11e4-ba28-f2a685dc7f89_story.html 2015-06-27 2024-11-26 The Washington Post The withdrawal coincided with a Saudi-led coalition announcing their entry in the Yemeni civil war, backed in support by the United States.Roberts Dan Shaheen Kareem 2015-03-26 Saudi Arabia launches Yemen air strikes as alliance builds against Houthi rebels https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/26/saudi-arabia-begins-airstrikes-against-houthi-in-yemen 2024-11-26 The Guardian en-GB 0261-3077 The lack of U.S. ground presence and intelligence-gathering in Yemen allowed for AQAP to significantly expand their power during the civil war, capturing swathes of territory in the south of the country during the year, though drone strikes still continued to target the group. Small numbers of U.S. special forces began being deployed again in 2016 in support of Yemeni and coalition efforts to combat AQAP, though they maintained "intelligence support" rather than direct participation.2016-05-07 US government admits deploying troops in Yemen https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/5/7/us-government-admits-deploying-troops-in-yemen 2024-11-26 Al Jazeera enGibbons-Neff Thomas Ryan Missy 2016-06-17 U.S. Special Operations force extends Yemen mission against al-Qaeda https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2016/06/17/u-s-special-operations-forces-shift-to-long-term-mission-in-yemen/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20160618150601/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2016/06/17/u-s-special-operations-forces-shift-to-long-term-mission-in-yemen/ 2016-06-18 2024-11-26 The Washington Post Only with the arrival of the Trump administration in 2017 did U.S.-led ground operations in Yemen resume, beginning with the raid on Yakla. See also List of journalists killed in Yemen 2014 American rescue mission in Syria References 30em Category:2010s missing person cases Category:2014 in military history Category:2014 in Yemen Category:December 2014 in Yemen Category:American people taken hostage Category:Kidnapped South African people Category:Missing person cases in Yemen Category:November 2014 in Yemen Category:Operations involving special operations forces of the United States Category:United States Naval Special Warfare Command Category:Hostage rescue operations involving the United States Category:United States–Yemen relations Category:Yemeni crisis