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              Al-Qaida in Yemen Threatens to Kill American Hostage

   by Matthew Hilburn

   An al-Qaida group in Yemen released a video Thursday threatening to
   kill an American Hostage.

   In the video, a member of al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
   threatens the life of Luke Somers, 33, an American journalist captured
   over a year ago.

   At the end of the video a man saying he's Somers says he believes his
   life is in danger.

   "I'm looking for any help that can get me out of this situation," he
   said.

   The video, which was posted on YouTube is undated and was widely
   distributed on Twitter.

   Earlier this year, U.S. special forces conducted a raid in Yemen, which
   was believed to be aimed at freeing Somers. When the commandos arrived,
   however, Somers was not there. They did kill seven militants and
   rescued hostages from other countries.

   AQAP is one of the most active branches of al-Qaida, and militants have
   launched attacks from there against the West.

   Earlier this year, the group pledged to the so-called Islamic State.

   "We are behind our brothers against this international crusade and we
   join them in their enmity against this campaign," AQAP said in an
   online statement.

   The U.S. has conducted drone strikes against the group, with one strike
   earlier this month killing up to 10 militants.

   Some information in this report comes from Reuters.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/al-qaida-yemen-threatens-luke-somers/
   2545707.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/al-qaida-yemen-threatens-luke-somers/2545707.html