South African and American hostages murdered in Yemen

A British-born American photojournalist and a South African teacher held by Al-Qaeda militants in Yemen were killed today during a failed U.S.-led rescue attempt. The raid was ordered by President Barack Obama because he feared imminent danger to the reporter.

Al-Qaeda had initially posted a video online threatening to kill photographer Luke Somers (pictured above). American forces in conjunction with Yemeni ground troops then launched a second rescue attempt.

 

The South African, Pieree Korkie was supposed to be released tomorrow December 7. The aid group helping to negotiate his release even told his wife; "The wait is almost over."

 

Both Somers and Korkie "were murdered by the AQAP terrorists during the course of the operation," 

 

In a statement, President Obama did not address Korkie by name, only saying he "authorized the rescue of any other hostages held in the same location as Luke." The South African government did not immediately comment on Korkie's death.