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In a dramatic but daring operation, the US SEAL Team 6 rescued an American citizen, Phillip Walton, held hostage by a criminal gang, on Saturday.
The 27 year old was taken from his farm in Massalata, southern Niger early Tuesday morning by kidnappers armed with AK-47 assault rifles before he was brought across the border to Nigeria where U.S. officials feared he could be taken or sold to a group of Islamist militants, according to CBS.
The SEALs rescued Walton after killing a number of his captors. SEAL Team 6 was chosen for the operation because they are responsible for West Africa, Fox News reported.
Jonathan Hoffman, chief Pentagon spokesman, said in a statement: “US 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.” He added that “This American citizen is safe and is now in the care of the US Department of State. No US military personnel were injured during the operation.”
“We will never abandon any American taken hostage,” stated US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo in another statement. “Thanks to the extraordinary courage and capabilities of our military, the support of our intelligence professionals, and our diplomatic efforts, the hostage will be reunited with his family,” Pompeo said.
Ganiu Oloruntade
