The spread of terrorism and militant groups across the globe has created an unsettling pattern of abductions and demands for ransom of foreign individuals. We have seen this happen in the case of the Islamic State (IS), a group gaining notoriety because of the brutal beheadings it carries out of US and UK nationals in their captivity. Now we see a tragedy unfold in Yemen where a US rescue attempt gone wrong has resulted in the deaths of a US captive and a South African one. Luke Somers, a US photojournalist, kidnapped in September 2013 and Pierre Korkie, a South African teacher, were shot dead by their al Qaeda abductors when a raid operation by US special operations forces in the village of Dafaar in Yemen went horribly wrong. From the details that are emerging, it seems the US rescue mission lost the element of surprise — this was its third attempt to rescue Mr Somers — and the militants wasted no time in wasting their hostages. The whole operation lasted a few minutes but resulted in 11 dead, most of them al Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula militants. Whilst this is a sad outcome of what should have been a successful and daring mission, it is not surprising that the terrorists executed their prisoners.
This inhumane behaviour is fast becoming their modus operandi. Abandoning all religious beliefs, morals and humanity, militants — whether of the Taliban, IS or al Qaeda mould — are now depending on their savage displays of terror to conquer and rule. The killing of prisoners or hostages is no way to claim any sort of legitimacy. It is an abhorrent act against the very belief system they use to try and gain validity. The US will never negotiate with such terrorists. They will never pay ransom or bargain for their nationals; it is not the US’s way. If this is ever allowed to happen, it will set a precedent and open the door for more kidnappings and ransom demands. This is something the US will never allow, no matter how many hostages are taken and killed. That is why the US special forces undertook this mission because there really is no other way to get back their nationals.
The failed Yemen rescue attempt is a sad chapter in the ongoing struggle against the terror plague. We will cheer when such missions are successful but will always feel the pain of the families who have lost their loved ones. *