Per Second News gathered that the crack team of Seals are to work with the United States Africa Command, (U.S. AFRICOM) one of six of the U.S. Defense Department's geographic combatant commands and is responsible to the Secretary of Defense for military relations with African nations, the African Union, and African regional security organizations. A full-spectrum combatant command, U.S. AFRICOM is responsible for all U.S. Department of Defense operations, exercises, and security cooperation on the African continent, its island nations, and surrounding waters.
In response to the kidnap of two other American Aid workers last year, President Obama, said that "The United States will not tolerate the abduction of our people, and will spare no effort to secure the safety of our citizens and to bring their captors to justice. This is yet another message to the world that the United States of America will stand strongly against any threats to our people," he added. Unconfirmed report reaching the Per Second News from the White House indicate that President Obama has authorized a rescue mission Friday.
Edison Chouest Offshore owners of the vessel informed Per Second News that the crew were legally working in the coast of Nigeria. The dynamic marine transport company founded in 1960 in Galliano, Louisiana has the capability to design, build, own and operate diverse high capacity and technologically superior vessel.
Meanwile, rebel groups in the Niger-Delta region said Friday they have been contacted by the kidnappers of two U.S. mariners and can help ensure their safety. Nigerian Navy spokesman Capt. Kabir Aliyu said a rescue operation has been mounted for the men, whom U.S. officials identified as the captain and chief engineer of the U.S.-flagged C-Retriever offshore supply vessel.
An email reportedly from the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta said Friday the Americans were captured by a "heavily armed auxiliary outfit" off the town of Brass in the Gulf of Guinea."The Americans will not be handed over for our direct custody but we will have the influence to visit them and ensure that they are well looked after until their subsequent release," the statement said.
Almost all foreigners kidnapped are released once ransoms are paid. A U.S. civilian kidnapped last year from Nigeria's oil-refining city of Warri was freed after a week in captivity. As at press time, the U.S AFRICOM is yet to give official full details of the mission, though it acknowledged an email from the Per Second News, but promised to get back as soon as possible.
Source : Naija Pundit
