White House says attempt to rescue hostage in Yemen shows American resolve
- 9 years ago
ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)
The White House said on Monday (December 08) that the attempted rescue of an American hostage in Yemen should signal extremist groups that the U.S. will not hesitate to expend significant resources to protect the safety of its citizens.
A raid by American commandos in a remote area of Yemen on Saturday failed to secure the release of American Luke Somers and South African teacher Pierre Korkie. Both hostages were shot as the raid unfolded.
"It should be a clear and unmistakable signal to the militants in Yemen and to militants around the world that the United States and President Obama will not tolerate the unjustified detention and hostage-taking of American citizens. And we will expend significant resources to secure the release of those individuals," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said, adding that the U.S. government was unaware of independent negotiations by South Africa to secure Korkie's release.
Earnest said the Obam
The White House said on Monday (December 08) that the attempted rescue of an American hostage in Yemen should signal extremist groups that the U.S. will not hesitate to expend significant resources to protect the safety of its citizens.
A raid by American commandos in a remote area of Yemen on Saturday failed to secure the release of American Luke Somers and South African teacher Pierre Korkie. Both hostages were shot as the raid unfolded.
"It should be a clear and unmistakable signal to the militants in Yemen and to militants around the world that the United States and President Obama will not tolerate the unjustified detention and hostage-taking of American citizens. And we will expend significant resources to secure the release of those individuals," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said, adding that the U.S. government was unaware of independent negotiations by South Africa to secure Korkie's release.
Earnest said the Obam