U.S. Service Member Killed In Hostage Rescue In Afghanistan [VIDEO]
An American doctor held hostage by the Taliban has been rescued in Afghanistan by U.S. troops, however the operation proved costly. One of the U.S. Special Operations team members, 28-year-old Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas D. Checque died of combat related injuries suffered during the rescue effort to save Dr. Dilip Joseph.
FOX News Radio’s Emily Wither reports from Jerusalem:
READ Secretary Panetta’s statement on Operations in Afghanistan:
“I want to commend the U.S. Special Operations team who rescued an American citizen captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan. I was deeply saddened to learn that a U.S. service member was killed in the operation, and I also want to extend my condolences to his family, teammates and friends. The special operators who conducted this raid knew they were putting their lives on the line to free a fellow American from the enemy’s grip. They put the safety of another American ahead of their own, as so many of our brave warriors do every day and every night. In this fallen hero, and all of our special operators, Americans see the highest ideals of citizenship, sacrifice and service upheld. The torch of freedom burns brighter because of them.”
READ a statement from the family of Dr. Dilip Joseph:
“The uncertainty of the days of this ordeal were harrowing and we are so thankful and grateful for the safe return of Dilip to our family. We are incredibly grateful for the multiple agencies of the US government that have supported us in this difficult time, and especially the quick response by our military and partner allies to rescue Dilip. They showed great heroism and professionalism. We want to extend our deepest condolences to the family of the American sailor who died during Dilip’s rescue. We could not be more grateful for that soldier’s heroism and for the bravery of all involved in the mission to bring Dilip home. We ask that the media respect our family’s desire for privacy during this transition and reunion time.”
