Statement by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel on the Death of Luke Somers

Department of Defense press release December 06, 2014

Yesterday, by order of the president of the United States, U.S. Special Operations Forces conducted a mission in Yemen to rescue a U.S. citizen, Luke Somers, and any other foreign nationals held hostage with him by Al-Qa\’ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) terrorists. There were compelling reasons to believe Somers\’ life was in imminent danger.

Both Somers and a second non-U.S. citizen hostage were murdered by the AQAP terrorists during the course of the operation. On behalf of the men and women of the U.S. armed forces, I extend our condolences, thoughts, and prayers to their families and loved ones.

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