US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter commended US and Afghan special operations personnel and the Afghan special operations forces for the professionalism and skill they demonstrated in a hostage rescue mission in Afghanistan’s Paktika province.

In a counterterrorism operation targeting al Qaida operatives, the partnered team freed Ali Haider Gilani, the son of former Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who had been held hostage since he was kidnapped three years ago in Pakistan, Carter said in a statement issue by the US Defense Department.

“We will work with the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan to return him home safely after he receives a medical evaluation,” the defense secretary said.

The raid demonstrates the growing capabilities and effectiveness of the Afghan security forces and is an excellent example of the strong security and intelligence partnership between Afghan and US forces under Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, he added.

“Working alongside our Afghan partners, we will continue to make it clear that there is no safe haven for terrorists in Afghanistan,” Carter said.

Source: MENA