American, S. African hostages killed in Yemen during raid

SANAA, Yemen — An American photojournalist and a South African teacher were killed Saturday during a high-risk, U.S.-led raid to free them from al-Qaida-affiliated militants in Yemen, a turbulent Arab country that is a centerpiece of U.S. counterterrorism efforts in the region.

The predawn raid was the second rescue attempt in as many weeks to free Luke Somers, a 33-year-old freelance photographer and editor kidnapped just over a year ago in Yemen’s capital.

South African Pierre Korkie, abducted 18 months ago with his wife in the city of Tazi, also was killed by militants as U.S. forces descended upon the militants’ compound in southern Yemen. A South African aid group trying to negotiate Korkie’s release said he was a day from freedom after a deal late last month that included a “facilitation fee” to the kidnappers. The relief organization had told Korkie’s wife that “the wait is almost over.”

President Barack Obama said he ordered the raid because Somers was believed to be in “imminent danger.” The president, in a statement, condemned Somers’ killing as a “barbaric murder,” but did not mention the 56-year-old Korkie by name, offering condolences to the family of “a non-U.S. citizen hostage.” The South African government said it was informed that Korkie died during the mission by American special forces.

“It is my highest responsibility to do everything possible to protect American citizens,” Obama said. “As this and previous hostage rescue operations demonstrate, the United States will spare no effort to use all of its military, intelligence and diplomatic capabilities to bring Americans home safely, wherever they are located.”

About 40 American special operations forces were involved in the rescue attempt, which followed U.S. drone strikes in the area, U.S. officials said. The rescuers, backed by Yemeni ground forces, advanced within 100 meters of the compound in Shabwa province when they were spotted by the militants. A firefight ensued.

Amid the fighting, U.S. forces saw a militant briefly enter a building on the compound. U.S. officials believe it was then that Somers and Korkie were shot. When Americans entered the building, they found both men alive, but gravely wounded.

Officials said that based on the location where Somers and Korkie were being held, there was no possibility that they were struck by American gunfire.

U.S. forces pulled Somers and Korkie onto V-22 Ospreys, and medical teams began performing surgery in midair. One hostage died during the short flight; the second died after the Ospreys landed on the USS Makin Island, a Navy ship in the region.

SportsPlus

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

One dead following afternoon shooting in NW Austin

Agriculture

FFA Week: Following the journey

Mower County

Amended version of abatement policy passed by county board

Albert Lea

Two friends, bartenders, open What’s Up Bar in Myrtle

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Man arrested during domestic incident, had loaded firearm

Agriculture

Rural Finance Authority declares emergency due to animal disease outbreaks

News

Around 14 percent of Minnesotans have filed their 2024 taxes so far

Mower County

In Your Community: Duplicate Bridge

Mower County

In Your Community: January Sweeps winner named

Mower County

In Your Community: Mower County Senior Center

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Convictions: Feb. 3-10

Education

Education Briefs

News

Trump signs a plan for reciprocal tariffs on US trading partners, ushering in economic uncertainty

News

Where US adults think the government is spending too much, according to AP-NORC polling

News

More than a dozen state attorneys general challenge Musk and DOGE’s authority

Agriculture

US eggs prices hit a record high of $4.95 and are likely to keep climbing

Mower County

Winter weather advisory to be issued as system begins moving in

Agriculture

Mower adds certified farmers in 2024

Education

PHOTOS: Unified fun — Austin High School hosts 2nd Unified Basketball Day

Mower County

Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota won’t seek reelection, dealing blow to Democrats’ hopes to take Senate

News

Republicans advance anti-abortion legislation during control of Minnesota House

News

Feds to probe Minnesota State High School League over transgender athlete policy

Mower County

Hormel honors winners of Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest

News

MnDOT announces winners of Name a Snowplow contest