American Hostage Rescued in Nigeria in Dramatic Military Operation

An American citizen abducted last week in Niger has been rescued by elite US commandos in a high-risk U.S. military raid in neighboring Nigeria.

Counterterrorism officials told ABC News that the mission was undertaken as part of a major effort to free the U.S. citizen, Philip Walton, 27, before his abductors could get far after taking him captive in Niger on Oct. 26.

According to the report, the operation involved the governments of the U.S., Niger and Nigeria working together to rescue Walton quickly. The CIA and Marine Special Operations elements in Africa helped tak part in the operation.

US President Donald Trump tweeted today: “Big win for our very elite U.S. Special Forces today. Details to follow!”.

US Sec. of State Mike Pompeo responded to the incident and wrote: “Outstanding work by the U.S. military today in freeing a U.S. citizen taken hostage in Niger and reuniting him with his family”.