Washington/Mogadishu: Helicopter-borne elite US Navy Seals struck deep into Somalia in a daring pre-dawn raid and freed two hostages - an American woman aid worker and a Dane - after a shootout with pirates holding them, leaving at least nine gunmen dead, a rare mission in the restive African nation.
The secret operation to secure the safe release of 32-year-old Jessica Buchanan, an American citizen employed by the Danish Demining Group, and her Danish colleague Poul Thisted, 60, was carried out at the order of President Barack Obama.
The two were abducted at gunpoint by pirates near Galcayo in the semi-autonomous Galmudug region of Somalia on October 25, 2011.
"Thanks to the extraordinary courage and capabilities of our Special Operations Forces, Jessica Buchanan was rescued and she is on her way home," Obama said in a statement issued after the raid in the wee hours on Wednesday.
"As Commander-in-Chief, I could not be prouder of the troops who carried out this mission, and the dedicated professionals who supported their efforts," he said.
Obama said Buchanan was selflessly serving her fellow human beings when she was taken hostage by criminals and pirates who showed no regard for her health and well-being.
Last night, Obama spoke to Buchanan's father.
"The United States will not tolerate the abduction of our people, and will spare no effort to secure the safety of our citizens and to bring their captors to justice," Obama said, adding that this is yet another message to the world that America will stand strongly against any threats to its people.
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