Afghanistan hostage rescue ‘extraordinarily brave’
Prime Minister David Cameron describes the rescue of a British aid worker, and her three colleagues, kidnapped in Afghanistan as an “extraordinarily brave, breathtaking” operation.
British nutritionist Helen Johnston, 28, Kenyan national Moragwe Oirere and two Afghan civilians were rescued by coalition forces in an early morning raid after being kidnapped on 22 May in Afghanistan‘s Badakhshan province.
A statement from Ms Johnston’s parents Philip and Patricia and brother Peter said they were “deeply grateful” to her rescuers.
“We are delighted and hugely relieved by the wonderful news that Helen and all her colleagues have been freed,” they said.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone involved in her rescue, to those who worked tirelessly on her behalf, and to family and friends for their love, prayers and support over the last twelve days.
“We greatly appreciate the restraint shown by the media since her abduction, and ask that they continue to respect our privacy at this special time.”
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, the prime minister said he was delighted the rescue was successful.
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Mr Cameron said he authorised the rescue attempt yesterday afternoon, after becoming increasingly concerned about the safety of Ms Johnston and her colleagues.
He said all four hostages were rescued safely, no British troops were injured and a number of Taliban and hostage-takers were killed.
“It was an extraordinarily brave, breathtaking even, operation that our troops had to carry out,” he said.
“I pay tribute to their skill and dedication.”
The prime minister said the rescue should serve as a warning to terrorists across the world who take British citizens hostage.
“They should know if they take British citizens as hostage we do not pay ransoms, we do not trade prisoners.
“They can expect a swift and brutal end.”
General John R Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force (Isaf), said the rescue mission showed the coalition’s commitment to defeating the Taliban.
“First, I would like to thank the Afghan Ministry of the Interior and Minister Mohammadi for their tremendous support throughout this crisis,” he said.
“Second, this morning’s mission, conducted by coalition forces, exemplifies our collective and unwavering commitment to defeat the Taliban.
“I’m extremely grateful to the Afghan authorities and proud of the Isaf forces that planned, rehearsed, and successfully conducted this operation.
“Thanks to them, Ms Helen Johnston, Ms Moragwe Oirere, and their two co-workers will soon be rejoining their families and loved ones.”