AL-QAIDA’S BRANCH in Yemen has threatened to kill American hostage Luke Somers in a video released today.
The terrorist group also mocked a “foolish” rescue attempt last month, and warned US authorities not to try again.
“My life is in danger,” photojournalist Luke Somers says in the footage, which appeared to mimic hostage videos released by al-Qaida’s rival, the Islamic State group.
It was the first word from the 33-year-old since he was snatched from the streets of Sanaa more than a year ago.
He had been working for nearly three years and, “living as a normal Yemeni,” friends and colleagues told the Associated Press.
US spokesperson Rear Admiral John Kirby acknowledged for the first time today that a raid last month had attempted to rescue Somers, but he turned out not to be at the site.
White House spokeswoman Bernadette Meehan also said that President Barack Obama had authorized a rescue operation to free Somers and other hostages but “regrettably, Luke was not present.”
In the three-minute video, Somers appears somber and gives a brief statement in English, asking for help.
It’s now been well over a year since I’ve been kidnapped in Sanaa.
Basically, I’m looking for any help that can get me out of this situation. I’m certain that my life is in danger.
So as I sit here now, I ask, if anything can be done, please let it be done. Thank you very much.
Also speaking in the video, a local Al-Qaida commander, Nasser bin Ali al-Ansi, denounced American “crimes” against the Muslim world.
He also condemned the rescue attempt, calling it a “foolish action” and warned against any more such “stupidities.”
Al-Ansi gave the U.S. three days to meet al-Qaida’s demands or “otherwise, the American hostage held by us will meet his inevitable fate.”
Contains reporting by the Associated Press.
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