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SEALs Raid Frees Yank, Dane in Somalia

Nine pirates reportedly killed as aid workers rescued by same team who killed bin Laden

By Mark Russell, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 25, 2012 3:17 AM CST | Updated Jan 25, 2012 7:46 AM CST

(Newser) – Navy SEALs, reportedly the same team that took out Osama bin Laden, launched a daring helicopter raid early today in Somalia, freeing an American and a Danish aid worker held by kidnappers since October, reports MSNBC. Helicopters landed just outside the pirates' camp in the pre-dawn hours, entering the camp on foot and engaging in a firefight, before freeing both hostages unharmed. They then returned to a US base in Djibouti. Nine pirates were killed in the battle, according to unofficial reports from other pirates.

The two aid workers had been removing mines in Somalia when they were kidnapped. A Somali colleague was detained by authorities, who suspected him of being involved in the kidnapping. There was an early indication something had happened when President Obama entered the House chambers for last night's State of the Union address. "Leon, good job tonight," said Obama, pointing to US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. "Good job tonight."

A French helicopter flying in Kapisa province in Afghanistan. (Getty Images)

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SEALs Raid Frees Yank, Dane in Somalia

Nine pirates reportedly killed as aid workers rescued by same team who killed bin Laden

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