US forces have rescued an American hostage in Nigeria, the Pentagon said Saturday.
The man, Philip Walton, aged 27 was abducted in Niger and taken across the border to Nigeria, where US forces freed him without suffering any casualties, it said.
The SEALs rescued Walton after killing a number of his captors. SEAL Team 6 was chosen for the operation because they are responsible for West Africa, says reports.
“The United States is committed to the safe return of all US citizens taken captive,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a separate statement.
“We delivered on that commitment late last night in Nigeria, where some of our bravest and most skilled warriors rescued a US citizen,” he added.
The hostage was identified as Philip Walton. He is now safe and in the care of the US State Department, the Pentagon said.
President Donald Trump hailed the rescue operation.
Speaking before a crowd in Pennsylvania on Saturday, Trump added: “The kidnappers wished they had never done it. We got our American citizen, we got our young man back, but the other side suffered gravely.”
“Big win for our very elite U.S. Special Forces today. Details to follow!,” he tweeted.
