Britisb-born US photo journalist killed by Al-Qaeda during a failed rescue mission by American Commados

The British-born US photojournalist and another South African aid worker held hostage in Yemen by Al-Qaeda were today killed in a failed rescue attempt by the US Commandos based in Yemen.  Luke Somers, 33, had been a hostage with the militants since September 2013.

 

Mr. Somer was said to have been badly injured when he was found by the US commandos.  It is believed his captors shot him during the raid.  He died from his injuries sustained by the time he was flown to the Naval Ship.

 

 

Luke Somer, British-born US photojournalist with the Yemen Times

President Obama today in a statement, said, ‘’'On behalf of the American people, I offer my deepest condolences to Luke's family and to his loved ones.’’  'As this and previous hostage rescue operations demonstrate, the United States will spare no effort to use all of its military, intelligence and diplomatic capabilities to bring Americans home safely, wherever they are located.

 

'And terrorists who seek to harm our citizens will feel the long arm of American justice,' he said.

 

President Obama said he authourised the raid on Friday to rescue Somers and other hostages held in the same location. He said the United States had used every tool at its disposal to secure Somers' release since his capture 15 months ago.  He also thanked the Yemen government for its support. 

 

 

Luke Somer moved from London to Sana’a, Yemen in 2011 to become a teacher but soon started taking pictures of public demonstrations and established himself as a photojournalist.  And later got employment with the Yemen Times.

 

  

The South African, Pierre Korkie who was also killed during the attempted rescue mission by the US – just a day before he was due to be released.

 

 

Mr. Pierre Korkie who died along side Luke Somer in the attempted rescue mission

 

Yolande who was reported set free after negotiation

 

Mr. Korkie and his wife Yolande were reportedly captured by the militants in May 2013 in Ta’iz, Yemen.  But his wife was released after the Gift of the Givers mission they work for helped negotiated her freedom.

 

Earlier in the week, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula issued a video with a message to the US government threatening to kill Mr. Somer if its demands were not meant.