The U.S. military says one service member was killed and three others wounded in a raid targeting al-Qaida in the Bayda province of Yemen.
In a statement from the U.S. Central Command said 14 fighters from the local al-Qaida affiliate were killed in the operation.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our elite service members,” said Commander of US Central Command Gen. Joseph Votel. “The sacrifices are very profound in our fight against terrorists who threaten innocent peoples across the globe.”
A U.S. military V-22 Osprey involved in the operation was disabled following a hard landing, resulting in an additional U.S. injury, the statement said. The aircraft was unable to fly after the landing and was intentionally destroyed in place, according to the statement.
Reports indicate that local sources said three alleged senior al-Qaida leaders were among those killed.
The statement continues with “This is one in a series of aggressive moves against terrorist planners in Yemen and worldwide. Similar operations have produced intelligence on al-Qaida logistics, recruiting and financing efforts.”
The name of the service member killed in action is being withheld pending next of kin notification.
Image Credits: DOD