TNI Action To Free US Hostages Kidnapped In Congo

JAKARTA - Garuda troops who are members of the MONUSCO Konga XXXIX-B Rapid Deployable Battalion (RDB) TNI Task Force have succeeded in rescuing a citizen of the United States (US) who was held hostage by an armed bandit group in Congo, Africa.

The act of release was carried out after the foreigner known as Sarah was held captive for 16 days in Ake Village or 10 KM from SCD Lulimba, Congo. The rescue operation was directly led by Lulimba's Static Combat Deployment (SCD) Commander Major Inf Yoni.

"With alacrity, the Commander of the SCD Lulimba Task Force Indo RDB XXXIX-B Monusco together with the Village Chief, Regiment Commander FARDC, Commander Local Police, the MSF Team in Lulimba Village held a briefing for the implementation of the final negotiations in order to free the hostages," said Colonel Inf Daniel. Lumban Raja cites a press release, Tuesday 21 July.

He explained that the TNI was taking negotiating steps to free the hostages, including other options to anticipate all the possibilities that would occur. The release went smoothly, even though the TNI had to deal with three bandits armed with AK-47s.

"The Indo RDB Task Force plays an important role in ensuring the security situation is under control. In implementing the security of the outer ring to back up and take action in the event of an urgent situation in the process of hostage negotiations that occurred in Ake village," he said.

After finding a bright spot in the negotiation process, the bandit group finally agreed to free the hostages. "Sarah's condition is generally stable, but continues to carry out intensive health checks," he added.

The Chief Village and the MSF Team appreciate and are grateful for the hard work in helping the hostage release to the RDB TNI Task Force by carrying out patrols, coordination and other support efforts.