Al-Qaeda in Yemen kills two hostages who were to be released

The two hostages American photojournalist Luke Somers and South African teacher Pierre Korkie were supposed to be released by the al-Qaeda in Yemen but, they have been killed during a rescue attempt by US and Yemeni forces.
It is understood that a total of 40 US special operations forces were involved in the rescue attempt and they were backed by Yemeni forces. They got to within 100 metres of the compound when they were spotted leading to a firefight ensued. During this encounter the pair was shot.
Reports indicate that the duo had been murdered by their al Qaeda captors - 10 of whom were also killed.
The raid was carried out in the Shabwah region of Yemen. It seems the release of 56-year-old Mr Korkie had been scheduled for Sunday but President Barack Obama authorized the raid because there was information to the effect that the life of American photojournalist Luke Somers was in imminent danger.
The national security chief of Yemen, Ali al Ahmadi, had revealed that the militants had planned to "execute" Mr Somers - who was born in Britain - on Saturday. Hence the raid.
It may be recalled that Mr and Mrs Korkie had been taken hostage by al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in May 2013 - Mrs Korkie was released earlier this year. On the other hand, Mr Somers, who was born in Britain, was captured in September 2013 in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a.