Seal Team 6 has rescued an American hostage in Nigeria. The hostage was taken captive earlier this week in Niger and moved to the neighboring country of Nigeria.
Big win for our very elite U.S. Special Forces today. Details to follow!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2020
According to Fox News:
The elite SEAL Team 6 staged a daring raid in the West African country of Nigeria, rescuing Philip Walton, 27, who had been taken hostage, officials told Fox News.
“We had to get him before any potential trade or sale,” one U.S. official said.
…
“U.S. 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,” Jonathan Hoffman, chief Pentagon spokesman, said in a statement.
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“We appreciate the support of our international partners in conducting this operation,” Hoffman added. “The United States will continue to protect our people and our interests anywhere in the world.”
Seal Team 6 killed a number of his captors during the raid. None of the Seals were injured and the hostage is now in the care of the U.S. Department of State.
