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British Army Blasts Rescued Times Reporter

'Irresponsible' Taliban abductee was warned of imminent danger

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 10, 2009 6:26 PM CDT
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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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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
oldgoat
Sep 11, 2009 8:01 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.
muleskinner
Sep 11, 2009 3:52 AM CDT
I KNOW EVERYONE WANTS A GOOD STORY, BUT WHEN YOU GET YOUR ASS IN A BIND IT SHOULD BE YOUR OWN FAULT FOR TAKING SUCH RISKS, BUT THEN AGAIN MILLION DOLLAR BOOKS, MOVIE RIGHTS---ETC---MAKE IT ALL WORTH WHILE TO PEOPLE WHO WANT TO GET RICH QUICKLY AT SOMEONE ELSES EXPENSE.
dax
Sep 11, 2009 3:14 AM CDT
Should governments risk lives and expend resources to rescue journalists and tourists whose actions purposefully fly in the face of good judgment?
World • Media

 
Afghanistan • New York Times • United Kingdom • England • reporter • soldier • rescue mission • Stephen Farrell • Sultan Munadi • John Harrison • commando

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