Seal Team Six Strikes Somali Pirates
If you happened to be watching the State of the Union Address last night, you may have overheard the President praising his Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta; “Good job tonight, good job.” At the time we had no way of knowing the Commander in Chief was referring to the rescue of two hostages held captive by the Somali Pirates.
According to U.S. Officials, the raid took place under the cover of darkness, as most often do. The team assigned to the rescue mission parachuted from fixed winged aircraft. They then proceeded by foot to engage the target encampment.
The rescue team met strong resistance from heavy weapons fire as well as explosives. Upon removing the threat, the Seal Team secured the Hostages, leaving their 9 captors dead. The rescuers reported no injuries in the fray as they departed aboard U.S. Military Helicopters.
Ohio resident, Jessica Buchanan and a Danish Refugee Council member were kidnapped and held captive by the Pirates months ago.
"Jessica Buchanan was selflessly serving her fellow human beings when she was taken hostage by criminals and pirates who showed no regard for her health and well-being," he said. "As commander in chief, I could not be prouder of the troops who carried out this mission, and the dedicated professionals who supported their efforts."
The Somali Pirates are holding numerous hostages including an American Journalist captured this week.