Sister Suellen Tennyson was launched from the custody of terrorists to Nigeriens (Niger borders Burkina Faso) then turned over to US officers, a US official with data of the state of affairs mentioned. A number of US officers and Louisiana Sen. Invoice Cassidy confirmed Tennyson’s id. The precise circumstances of her launch are presently unclear.
US Africa Command personnel “facilitated the secure turnover,” of the American citizen from the terrorists, Lt. Cmdr. Timothy Pietrack, US Africa Command spokesperson advised CNN in a press release. The American “will quickly be reunited with family members,” a State Division spokesperson mentioned.
Tennyson’s congregation, Marianites of Holy Cross, confirmed her launch in a Fb publish on Wednesday.
Tennyson was held hostage for 5 months, Marianites of Holy Cross mentioned within the publish.
US Africa Command labored with “African and worldwide companions” so as to safe Tennyson’s launch, Pietrack mentioned within the assertion.
“U.S. Africa Command wish to thank all of our African and worldwide companions who supplied glorious cooperation over the months main as much as this restoration, particularly, the federal government of Niger, who have been vital to this effort,” Pietrack mentioned within the assertion.
The State Division confirmed Tennyson’s launch and mentioned the Biden administration will “proceed to work aggressively” to free US residents all over the world “held in opposition to their will.”
“We wish the American individuals to know that their security and safety is our highest precedence, and the Biden Administration will proceed to work aggressively — utilizing a variety of instruments — till all Individuals being unjustly held in opposition to their will are introduced house,” the State Division spokesperson mentioned.