United States forces have rescued an American taken hostage in Nigeria.
“This American citizen is safe and is now in the care of the U.S. Department of State. No U.S military personnel were injured during the operation,” Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement.
Hoffman thanked international partners for their support for the mission.
The official stressed that the U.S. will continue to protect its people and interests anywhere in the world.
The operation reportedly lasted several hours, and eliminated six of the seven kidnappers.
It was conducted by the Navy’s elite SEAL Team 6 flown by Air Force special operations.
In a statement, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Walton would be reunited with his family.
The top diplomat hailed the military for the successful extraction and reiterated that the U.S. will always look out for its nationals.
“Thanks to the extraordinary courage and capabilities of our military, the support of our intelligence professionals, and our diplomatic efforts, the hostage will be reunited with his family.
“We will never abandon any American taken hostage”, Pompeo vowed.
