PRESS RELEASE | Jan. 29, 2017
Servicemember killed in raid on al-Qa’ida headquarters in Yemen
Jan. 29, 2017

RELEASE 20170129-01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – One U.S. servicemember died of wounds suffered in a raid against al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula in Yemen, Jan. 28.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our elite servicemembers,” said Commander of U.S. Central Command Gen. Joseph Votel. “The sacrifices are very profound in our fight against terrorists who threaten innocent peoples across the globe.”

Three U.S. servicemembers were wounded in the raid.

A U.S. military aircraft assisting in the operation experienced a hard landing at a nearby location, resulting in an additional U.S. injury. That aircraft was unable to fly after the landing. The aircraft was then intentionally destroyed in place.

The operation resulted in an estimated 14 AQAP members being killed and the capture of information that will likely provide insight into the planning of future terror plots.

This is one in a series of aggressive moves against terrorist planners in Yemen and worldwide. Similar operations have produced intelligence on al-Qa’ida logistics, recruiting and financing efforts.

The name of the servicemember killed in action is being withheld pending next of kin notification.