New York Times: 2 Qaeda Hostages Were Accidentally Killed in U.S. Strike, White House Says
WASHINGTON — The White House acknowledged on Thursday that two hostages held by Al Qaeda were accidentally killed in an American government counterterrorism operation in January and said President Obama “takes full responsibility.”
In an extraordinary statement, the White House said intelligence agencies had confirmed that Warren Weinstein, an American held by Al Qaeda since 2011, and Giovanni Lo Porto, an Italian held since 2012, died during the operation.
“The operation targeted an al-Qaeda-associated compound, where we had no reason to believe either hostage was present, located in the border region of Afghanistan and Pakistan,” the statement said. “No words can fully express our regret over this tragedy.”
WNU Editor: I am suspicious with the timing of this news. It happened in January but they are reporting it now with the Clinton Foundation story just breaking out this morning. Makes you wonder on what is really happening. Wag the dog .... or a warning to the Clintons to get out of the Presidential race? As to what is my take .... I am astounded that the main stream media is doing something that I never thought they would do .... go after the Clintons and report (gasp) the news.
More News On 2 Qaeda Hostages Who Were Accidentally Killed In A January U.S. Drone Strike
American, Italian hostages inadvertently killed in U.S. operation: Obama -- Reuters
US admits al Qaeda operation killed an American and an Italian hostage -- France 24
American, Italian hostages killed in US drone strike -- AP
Obama: 'I profoundly regret' deaths of U.S., Italian hostages -- Reuters
U.S. drone strike killed al-Qaeda hostages, including American -- Washington Post
White House: American, Italian hostages killed in US counterterror operation -- FOX News
U.S. drone strike accidentally killed 2 hostages -- CNN
Obama: ‘I Take Full Responsibility’ For US Operation That Killed Innocent Hostages Held By Al Qaeda -- ABC News
White House: U.S. drone strikes killed two al Qaeda hostages -- CBS News
Obama takes 'full responsibility' for deaths of two hostages -- The Hill
US admits two hostages killed in al-Qaeda raid -- BBC
US drone strike killed American and Italian citizens held captive by al-Qaida -- The Guardian
Warren Weinstein Begged Obama to Save Him Four Years Before U.S. Drone Killed Him -- Daily Beast
SoCal Man Among Al-Qaida Operatives Killed In US Strike -- CBS
Family of American al-Qaeda hostage 'devastated' by his death -- USA Today
Wife criticizes U.S. approach to hostages' families -- CBS News
