Follow @khalid45kk
A Colorado doctor held hostage by the Taliban since last week was rescued in an early-morning operation Sunday that also cost the life of a U.S. Navy SEAL, military officials said.
Dr. Dilip Joseph had been abducted Wednesday along with two Afghan colleagues as they left a rural medical clinic in the eastern Kabul province.
The U.S. did not immediately identify the Navy SEAL, a member of the Navy's Special Warfare Development Group, killed in the mission.
"He gave his life for his fellow Americans, and he and his teammates remind us once more of the selfless service that allows our nation to stay strong, safe and free," President Obama said in a statement.
In a separate statement Sunday, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said, "In this fallen hero, and all of our special operators, Americans see the highest ideals of citizenship, sacrifice and service upheld."
The captured men were taken about 50 miles from the Pakistan border.
Joseph's two unidentified colleagues, a doctor and a driver, were released Saturday night following hours of negotiations, according to their employer, Morning Star Development, based in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Joseph, who serves as the nonprofit’s medical adviser and has previously traveled to Afghanistan, is expected to return home in a few days.
Morning Star Development said the doctor was "reported to be in good condition and uninjured during the rescue,” although a Defense Department official told ABC News his captors assaulted him.
“Morning Star Development is grateful beyond words for the assistance and support of many people and organizations during this event,” the company, which focuses on economic and community development in Afghanistan, said in a statement.
Gen. John Allen, the top commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, said the joint force planned, rehearsed and successfully conducted the operation.
“Thanks to them, Dr. Joseph will soon be rejoining his family and loved ones,” Allen said.
The New York Times reported that the Taliban thugs demanded a $100,000 ransom. Morning Star Development, however, said it paid no money for the men’s release.
The company declined to release further details about the operation.
According to The Times, at least six Taliban fighters were killed and two leaders, Shah Gul and Raza Gul, were arrested as part of the rescue mission.
0 comments:
Post a Comment