American President, Donald Trump, has commended the American military for conducting a successful operation that led to the freedom of an American citizen, Philip Walton, held hostage by a group of armed men on Friday night.
Walton is said to have been abducted by suspected bandits on October 26 in Niger Republic.
ABC News reports that the operation involved the governments of the U.S., Niger and Nigeria working together to rescue him quickly.
It is reported that the elite SEAL Team Six organized the rescue operation and killed all but except one of the captors, according to the personnel who is well versed about the operation.
“They were all dead before they knew what happened,” another counterterrorism source with knowledge told ABC News.
The Pentogon, through a statement lauded the rescue effort.
“U.S. Forces conducted a hostage rescue operation during the early hours of 31 October in Northern Nigeria to recover an American citizen held hostage by a group of armed men,” said Pentagon chief spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman.
“This American citizen is safe and is now in the care of the U.S. Department of State. No U.S military personnel were injured during the operation.
“We appreciate the support of our international partners in conducting this operation.”
However, President Trump has hailed the US Special Forces for a successful rescue mission.
In a tweet Trump made on Saturday, he said:
“Last night, our country’s brave warriors rescued an American hostage in Nigeria.
“Our Nation salutes the courageous soldiers behind the daring nighttime rescue operation and celebrates the safe return of yet another American citizen!”
Last night, our Country’s brave warriors rescued an American hostage in Nigeria. Our Nation salutes the courageous soldiers behind the daring nighttime rescue operation and celebrates the safe return of yet another American citizen!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2020
