Trump hails Pakistan for release of US-Canadian couple from terrorists' captivity

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump hailed Pakistani officials for securing the release of an American woman, her Canadian husband and their three children from terrorists’ captivity.

“This is a positive moment for our country’s relationship with Pakistan. The Pakistani government’s cooperation is a sign that it is honoring America’s wishes for it to do more to provide security in the region. We hope to see this type of cooperation and teamwork in helping secure the release of remaining hostages and in our future joint counterterrorism operations,” said Donald Trump.

Pakistan Army and ISI recovered five Western hostages including one Canadian, his US National wife and their three children from terrorist custody through an intelligence based operation.

They were captured by Terrorists from Afghanistan during 2012 and kept as hostages there. US intelligence agencies had been tracking them and shared their shifting across to Pakistan on 11 Oct 2017 through Kurram Agency border.

The operation by Pakistani forces, based on actionable intelligence from US authorities was successful; all hostages were recovered safe and sound and are being repatriated to the country of their origin.

Canada voices relief

Canada too voiced relief at the release of the family.

“We are greatly relieved that after being held hostage for five years, Joshua Boyle and his wife Caitlan Coleman, as well as their young children, have been released and are safe,” said Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland.

“Joshua, Caitlan, their children and the Boyle and Coleman families have endured a horrible ordeal over the past five years,” she added in a statement.

Freeland said Canada had been “actively engaged with the governments of the United States, Afghanistan and Pakistan” in trying to free the couple, but provided no details.

Parents of Canadian citizen Joshua Boyle thanking Pakistan Army for rescue of their son & his family. pic.twitter.com/0rXiGGkvcj

— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) October 12, 2017