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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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6

British Army Blasts Rescued Times Reporter

'Irresponsible' Taliban abductee was warned of imminent danger

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(Newser) – The death of British soldier during the rescue of a New York Times reporter has British Army brass up in arms, the Telegraph reports. Corporal John Harrison and interpreter Sultan Munadi died early yesterday in an area of Afghanistan journalist Stephen Farrell had been cautioned about. “When you look at the number of warnings this person had it makes you really wonder whether he was worth rescuing,” says a military source.

Afghan officials told Farrell, a British citizen, that visiting the Kunduz region was unwise because of the Taliban presence. The rescue operation proceeded within days of his abduction because he was believed to be in imminent danger. “Stephen Farrell would be wise not to crow too loudly about his experience because his incompetence has cost a life,” a former British special-forces officer says.

Interpreter Sultan Munadi was also killed in the rescue.
Interpreter Sultan Munadi was also killed in the rescue.   (AP Photo)
ISAF soldiers embrace each other after coming back from a mission outside Kunduz, Afghanistan.
ISAF soldiers embrace each other after coming back from a mission outside Kunduz, Afghanistan.   (AP Photo)
Journalists carry wreaths of flowers to place on slain Afghan translator Sultan Munadi's grave.
Journalists carry wreaths of flowers to place on slain Afghan translator Sultan Munadi's grave.   (AP Photo)
Map locates Kunduz province, Afghanistan, where British commandos freed a New York Times reporter taken hostage.
Map locates Kunduz province, Afghanistan, where British commandos freed a New York Times reporter taken hostage.   (AP Photo)
Stephen Farrell.
Stephen Farrell.   (AP Photo)
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This reporter went to this area against the advice of the Afghan police. So thanks very much Stephen Farrell, your irresponsible act has led to the death of one of our boys. - British military source

We are absolutely heartbroken. John was a wonderful son, brother and a dedicated soldier who was greatly loved and cherished by all his family and friends. - Harrison family statement

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6 comments
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Reader64481089
Sep 10, 09 6:44 PM CDT
He cost a soldier his life through his actions after he was warned, I do understand the anger of the Military. They put their lives on the line but you do not need to press your luck and take advantage of these men in any branch of the military of any country... Reply
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RogerMohajir
Sep 10, 09 8:26 PM CDT
“Stephen Farrell would be wise not to crow too loudly about his experience because his incompetence has cost a life,” a former British special-forces officer says. -- "A person?" Apparently, to this officer, only British soldiers count as people. If Farrell is to blame, it is for TWO lives - the commando and the interpreter. I can't help but wonder, though, if the effort to place blame on Farrell isn't really a pre-emptive strike to ward off blame for the death of the interpreter. Reply
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oldgoat
Sep 11, 09 3:01 AM CDT
Farrell is a person right? Yes Farrell is to blame for the two deaths in trying to rescue his dumb butt, but I don't see where the military has to ward off blame for the death of the interpreter. Let's face it in a rescue mission firefight friendly fire deaths is a hazzard. Actually I would hope that the military can go back and have him turn over any profits from his stories to the soldier and interreters families. People like Farrell, the two women in NK and the 3 in Iran cause their own problems by not listening to warnings.
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dax
Sep 10, 09 10:14 PM CDT
Should governments risk lives and expend resources to rescue journalists and tourists whose actions purposefully fly in the face of good judgment? Reply
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atomick
Sep 10, 09 10:49 PM CDT
Speaking of unnecessary risks, has anybody heard anything from those douche-bags who went for a hike in Iran? Whatever happened there? Reply
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+1

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