Al-Qaida Hostage Killed in Counterterrorism Operation Was From Rockville

Warren Weinstein, a contractor captured by al-Qaida in 2011, was killed in a counterterrorism operation, according to a statement by the White House on Thursday morning.

“The operation targeted an al-Qa’ida-associated compound, where we had no reason to believe either hostage was present, located in the border region of Afghanistan and Pakistan,” according to the White House statement. “No words can fully express our regret over this terrible tragedy.”

In 2011, Weinstein’s overseas home was stormed by Al-Qaeda operatives armed with AK-47s who tortured and tied up the guards before taking Weinstein. He had been living in the high-security compound for years, traveling back to Rockville frequently to see his family.

Elaine Weinstein said in a statement Thursday that the family is devastated by the news of her husband’s death.

“We were so hopeful that those in the U.S. and Pakistani governments with the power to take action and secure his release would have done everything possible to do so and there are no words to do justice to the disappointment and heartbreak we are going through,” she said.

Read more at Patch:

• Rockville Resident Held by al-Qaeda Urges Obama to Bargain for His Release (Dec. 2013)
• Wife of Rockville Man Held by Al-Qaeda Pleads for His Return (July 2014)

The operation that led to Warren Weinstein’s death, as well as the death of an Italian hostage, had remained classified until Thursday. The information was released at the direction of the president, according to the White House.

“The uniquely tragic nature of the operation that resulted in the deaths of two innocent hostages is something we will do our utmost to ensure is not repeated,” according to the statement. “To this end, although the operation was lawful and conducted consistent with our counterterrorism policies, we are conducting a thorough independent review to understand fully what happened and how we can prevent this type of tragic incident in the future.”

Elaine Weinstein said the family is looking forward to the results of the independent review.

“But those who took Warren captive over three years ago bear ultimate responsibility,” she said. “I can assure you that he would still be alive and well if they had allowed him to return home after his time abroad working to help the people of Pakistan.”

Read the family’s complete statement.

Congressman Chris Van Hollen of Montgomery County released a statement on Weinstein’s death, which said in part:

“My heart goes out to his family, who never gave up their tireless efforts to bring Warren home. Warren dedicated his life to the betterment of humanity, and with this tragedy we are reminded of the bravery and sacrifice of those who choose to fight for a better world in the face of constant danger.

“We must fully investigate the events that led to Warren’s death. Much effort was put in to finding Warren and bringing him home, but it wasn’t enough. As we mourn the loss of Warren and stand with Italy in mourning Giovanni Lo Porto, we must redouble our efforts to protect innocent civilian lives during military operations to protect our homeland and ensure every American held hostage around the world knows that the United States is doing everything possible to bring them home safely.”

Includes reporting by Sydney Wu