British Born al-Qaeda Hostage Killed in Botched Rescue Attempt

British Born al-Qaeda Hostage Killed in Botched Rescue Attempt

Just two days after reports of a video having been released showing Luke Somers, captured photographer pleading for his life, his sister has revealed the nature of his death.

Miss Somers reported she had been visited by FBI agents who informed her of her brothers’ death in Yemen while in the hands of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). She said: “We ask that all of Luke’s family members be allowed to mourn in peace”, reports the Daily Telegraph.

Although she has said her brother was killed during a rescue attempt, it is unknown when this attempt was, or how he died – whether caught in preliminary bombardment, crossfire, or if he was executed by his captors to prevent release. Earlier this week the Pentagon confirmed there had been an attempt to rescure Mr. Somers last month, in which eight other hostages were freed but Somers and an unnamed British hostage were “not present”.

It is possible Somers perished in that attempt, or there may have been another rescue since.

At the time a spokesman said “The overriding concern for Mr. Somers’ safety and the safety of the U.S. forces who undertake these missions made it imperative that we not disclose information related to Mr. Somers’ captivity and the attempted rescue”. There has been no official comment of the death of Mr. Somers so far.

As reported by Breitbart London on Thursday, Somers was captured in September 2013 while working for local papers in Yemen, on the Arab Peninsula. The date of the video which was made public this week is unknown, but the hostage made no mention of the recent failed rescue attempt, meaning it could be older. Addressing the camera he said: “My name is Luke Somers. I’m 33 years old. I was born in England, but I carry American citizenship and have lived in America for most of my life.

“It’s now been well over a year since I’ve been kidnapped in Sana’a. Basically, I’m looking for any help that can get me out of this situation. I’m certain that my life is in danger. So as I sit here now, I ask if anything can be done, please let it be done. Thank you very much”.

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