Jessica Buchanan Commercial Flight Somalia: Captive Heading Home
Jessica Buchanan was rescued last Monday in a danger mission ordered by President Obama, after her condition was reported as life threatening. New reports state that she is now heading back to the United States.
American Jessica Buchanan, 32, and Poul Hagen Thisted, 60, of Denmark, were abducted three months ago by a group of Somali bandits while working for Danish Refugee Council, an aid organization.
Pentagon spokesperson George Little reported that the mission was ordered by President Obama after a "window of opportunity for mission success" became available. Part of the rescue team was composed by the U.S. Navy SEAL Team Six in the mission labeled "Octave Fushion" rescue. The mission involved parachuting into Somalia, where the team then continued on foot and killed the nine gunmen who were guarding the two mission workers.
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Buchanan's dad spoke about his relief after the news of his daughter's safety was reported, to CBS News. "She said, 'Daddy, I love you, and I'll be fine. I'm OK'. It was just after, over 93 days and I hadn't spoken to her. It was pretty amazing and incredible that she's fine and [the SEAL teams] were able to do something and get to her," John Buchanan said.
Jessica's husband also gave his thank to rescue teams after the incident was over on Facebook. "This morning, after going through three months of hell with Somali pirates, my amazing wife was saved by the American military and she is now in safety!" he said. "Words cannot describe the joy and relief we feel! Thank you to all that have helped and apologies to all our friends I haven't shared this with. This is a day of Happiness!"
Officials said on Monday that Jessica Buchanan, who was transported to Italy along with Hagen after the rescue, would be returning to the United States. Officials reported that she would depart from Sigonella, Italy via a commercial flight although the time of the flight was not disclosed.
