U.S. Navy SEAL Killed in Operation to Rescue American Doctor in Afghanistan
U.S. Navy SEAL Killed in Operation to Rescue American Doctor in Afghanistan
A U.S. official said the man who was shot dead belonged to the Navy’s Special Warfare Development Group, more commonly known as SEAL Team Six. The elite unit is the same one that took part in the raid that killed al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, but the official didn’t know if the fallen service member was involved in that operation.
While he did not delve into detail, Panetta said, “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.”
The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force said Joseph was believed to be in imminent danger of injury or death when the rescue mission was launched.
“He gave his life for his fellow Americans, and he and his teammates remind us once more of the selfless service that allows our nation to stay strong, safe and free,” President Barack Obama said of the slain U.S. service member, who was not immediately identified.